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- Apr 25, 2025
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South Indian Music Scene 2025: Rising Stars to Watch
South Indian Music in 2025: The Rise of a New Era
Introduction South Indian music has always been rich in tradition, deeply rooted in the classical rhythms of Carnatic and Hindustani music. However, 2025 marks a transformative period for the region’s music industry. From its classical roots to the more contemporary sounds emerging today, South Indian music is undergoing a shift — blending genres, pushing boundaries, and redefining its identity. The growing impact of digital platforms, cultural fusion, and cross-genre collaborations are playing a significant role in shaping this new age of South Indian music. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the emerging artists, the evolution of genres, technological influences, and the broader cultural landscape that are propelling South Indian music into the future.
Emerging Artists Shaping the Soundscape
Sai Abhyankkar: The Tamil Pop Prodigy Sai Abhyankkar’s rise to fame in Tamil pop is nothing short of extraordinary. With hit tracks like "Katchi Sera", "Aasa Kooda", and "Sithira Puthiri", his fusion of traditional Tamil music with contemporary pop has captivated audiences across generations. His ability to seamlessly blend folk melodies with the modern sound of pop has earned him a devoted following, not just in India, but globally. Partnering with Think Indie and the global music distribution powerhouse Believe, Sai’s music has reached a wider, international audience. His genre-defying approach is one of the key reasons for his success. His fresh take on Tamil pop is not only changing the music scene in Tamil Nadu but also influencing how other regions approach traditional music forms.
Hanumankind: Bridging Cultures Through Hip-Hop Hip-hop, though traditionally a genre of the West, has found a home in South India through artists like Hanumankind. Born in Kerala and raised in Houston, Sooraj Cherukat, aka Hanumankind, blends the hard-hitting beats of Southern U.S. hip-hop with the intricate rhythms of South Indian music. His track "Big Dawgs" resonated globally, gaining massive attention when it featured in Arsenal FC’s pre-season promotions. Hanumankind's cultural blend is not just a musical experiment — it’s a bridge between the U.S. and South India, drawing on the diasporic experience to create something fresh and innovative. His music tells stories of identity, struggle, and triumph, weaving together diverse cultural threads.
Ganavya: A Multilingual Musical Journey Ganavya is a visionary artist whose music defies language barriers. Her album "like the sky I've been too quiet" is a masterpiece that weaves Tamil, English, and other languages into a rich tapestry of sounds. Known for her collaborations with renowned jazz artists like Immanuel Wilkins and Shabaka Hutchings, Ganavya’s sound is an exploration of spiritual and restorative music. Her work is deeply connected to the South Indian tradition while being open to global influences. Her ability to combine classical South Indian rhythms with modern jazz influences has earned her acclaim in global music circles. Ganavya represents the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, and her growing influence signals a promising future for South Indian artists seeking to transcend regional boundaries.
Rising Stars to Watch
Gini: A Soulful Voice for the Future Featured on the Rolling Stone India cover as part of the "Future of Music", Gini is a soulful vocalist with an introspective style that captivates listeners. Her music blends a variety of genres, from indie pop to folk, creating a sound that’s both comforting and thought-provoking. Gini’s deep connection to her roots and her authenticity resonate strongly with a new generation of listeners who crave sincerity in music. Her lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, making her one of the most promising voices in South India today. With her strong presence in the indie scene, Gini is poised to take the South Indian music industry by storm.
Maahi, Iykki Berry, Pho, Chani Nattan, Shreya Jain: A Diverse Group of Talents Alongside Gini, there are many rising stars carving their own space in the South Indian music scene. Maahi, Iykki Berry, Pho, Chani Nattan, and Shreya Jain are artists to watch. Each brings their unique style to the table, whether it’s indie pop, rap, or experimental music. Their music resonates with the younger demographic who are increasingly drawn to a diverse mix of sounds and cultures. This group represents the future of South Indian music — one that is experimental, genre-defying, and full of fresh ideas. As they continue to grow, expect them to influence not only South India but also the global music stage.
Genre Innovations and Fusion Trends
Carnatic Music’s Contemporary Evolution Carnatic music, one of the oldest and most revered classical music traditions of South India, has long been associated with strict adherence to tradition. However, artists like TM Krishna are challenging these norms, infusing Carnatic music with modern sensibilities while maintaining its spiritual core. TM Krishna's performances at events like the Darbar Festival showcase his innovative approach to classical music. Through his reinterpretations, TM Krishna is making Carnatic music more accessible to a younger audience, showing that tradition can evolve without losing its essence. His experiments with modern instruments and collaborations with contemporary artists have made Carnatic music more inclusive and relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Indie and Rock Resurgence South India’s indie and rock scenes are undergoing a resurgence. Artists and bands are fusing traditional instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam with electric guitars and synths, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with younger audiences. This fusion of local sounds with global styles is helping to preserve traditional instruments while making them appealing to modern listeners. Bands like Agam, The Koniac Net, and The F16s are leading this revival. Their unique approach to blending Indian and Western music traditions has given South India a new musical identity that is both authentic and modern.
Platforms Amplifying South Indian Music
Spotify’s Global Impact Streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, have played a massive role in amplifying South Indian music. According to Spotify’s “Loud & Clear” report, nearly 50% of royalties for Indian artists in 2024 came from international listeners, indicating a global appetite for South Indian music. This shift has allowed local artists to reach new audiences and gain recognition worldwide. The global reach of these platforms is crucial for emerging artists, who can now distribute their music to a global audience without the need for traditional record labels. This democratization of music has opened up a world of possibilities for South Indian talent.
Music Festivals as Launchpads Festivals like Lollapalooza India 2025 and the India International Music Week are significant platforms for emerging artists. These festivals provide a stage for South Asian talent to be seen by international audiences and industry professionals. For many musicians, these events serve as launchpads, offering them exposure and opportunities that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.
Cultural and Technological Influences
Embracing Digital Platforms The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the way music is consumed. With the ability to release tracks directly to the public via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, artists no longer need to rely on traditional radio or TV to gain exposure. This shift has empowered independent artists to thrive, giving them the tools to build their fanbase organically and access a global audience.
Cross-Cultural Collaborations South Indian artists are increasingly collaborating with musicians from different cultural backgrounds, fostering a vibrant exchange of musical ideas. These collaborations have led to the creation of groundbreaking music that blends genres and sounds from all over the world. Whether it’s collaborations with African drummers, European jazz musicians, or Western pop singers, these partnerships are creating new, hybrid musical forms that transcend regional and cultural boundaries.
Conclusion The South Indian music scene in 2025 is a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. Emerging artists like Sai Abhyankkar, Hanumankind, and Ganavya are reshaping the musical landscape, while the rise of digital platforms and music festivals is providing unprecedented opportunities for artists. South India is no longer just a regional hub of music — it is becoming a global force to be reckoned with. As these musicians continue to experiment, innovate, and collaborate, they are paving the way for a new era of South Indian music. The region's legacy of musical excellence is evolving into something vibrant, diverse, and universally influential.
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