On April 12, 2025, Indian rapper Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat, took the Mojave stage at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, delivering a performance that resonated far beyond the California desert. His set wasn’t just a showcase of hip-hop prowess—it was a bold celebration of Indian culture, blending high-octane rap with the thunderous rhythms of Kerala’s traditional Chenda Melam. This historic moment marked a seismic shift for Indian music, breaking the mold of classical and Bollywood dominance on global stages.
A Fusion of Cultures
Hanumankind’s performance stood out for its fearless fusion of contemporary hip-hop with the Chenda, a cylindrical percussion instrument integral to Kerala’s folk traditions, religious ceremonies, and art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam. Joined by the US-based Malayali ensemble Kochuveettil Beats, dressed in traditional white mundus, he brought an unplugged, raw version of his hit single Run It Up to life. The Chenda’s pulsating beats, played vertically with sticks by skilled drummers, electrified the crowd, creating a sonic bridge between South Indian heritage and global hip-hop culture.
This wasn’t just a musical performance—it was a cultural statement. By integrating the Chenda Melam, Hanumankind challenged the notion that Indian music on the world stage is limited to sitars or Bollywood soundtracks. His set, which also featured tracks like Big Dawgs and Go To Sleep, showcased a democratized vision of Indian music, where regional folk traditions and modern genres like rap hold equal weight.
Why This Matters
Hanumankind’s Coachella debut builds on a growing wave of Indian and South Asian representation at global festivals. Following Punjabi stars Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon, who performed at Coachella in 2024, Hanumankind became the fourth Indian artist to grace the festival’s stage, joining Carnatic and R&B singer Sid Sriram. His performance, however, pushed boundaries further by spotlighting a hyper-regional element—the Chenda—unfamiliar to many global audiences.
The Chenda’s fractal sound, known for its high amplitude fluctuations, creates an almost hypnotic effect, syncing with listeners’ brain activity to spark dopamine release and motor responses. This scientific edge, as noted by researchers Nishanth P. and K.M. Udayanandan, explains why the audience couldn’t help but move to the rhythm. Hanumankind’s choice to amplify this instrument at Coachella wasn’t just artistic—it was a masterstroke in cultural storytelling.
A Milestone for Indian Hip-Hop
Hanumankind, a Kerala-born, Texas-bred rapper, has been redefining Indian hip-hop since his 2019 EP. His 2024 track Big Dawgs, which debuted at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100, put him on the global map with its gravity-defying music video shot in a Well of Death. Run It Up, released in 2025, took it further, weaving Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu and Gatka into its visuals and earning praise from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mann Ki Baat for promoting India’s cultural heritage.
At Coachella, Hanumankind didn’t just perform—he made history. His collaboration with Kochuveettil Beats and a surprise appearance by Houston rapper Maxo Kream underscored his ability to blend global and local influences seamlessly. Social media erupted with pride, with fans on X calling it a “proud moment” and clips of the Chenda-driven set going viral. One user summed it up: “The world ain’t ready for what Indian performances have in store.”
Redefining Indian Music’s Global Narrative
This performance signals a broader shift. Indian music is no longer a niche or exotic curiosity—it’s a dynamic, diverse force. Hanumankind’s Chenda Melam moment at Coachella 2025 proves that regional traditions can resonate globally when paired with modern storytelling. It’s a call to action for artists to dig deeper into their roots and for audiences to embrace the full spectrum of India’s musical heritage.
As Coachella continues through April 18–20, 2025, Hanumankind’s set remains a highlight, cementing his role as a trailblazer. Whether you’re a hip-hop fan or a lover of cultural fusion, this is a moment to celebrate. Indian music has arrived, and it’s here to stay.
For more on Hanumankind’s journey and Indian hip-hop’s rise, check out our coverage of South Asian artists breaking barriers. Want to experience Coachella Weekend 2? Grab tickets at www.coachella.com.
