Sister Rap: Cartel Madras

Sisters Contra and Eboshi Ramesh (born Priya and Bhagya Ramesh) both born in Chennai, were still young when they moved with their parents to Western Canada. Over a period of time they realised that their status as immigrants barred them from getting involved in music and cultural spaces, particularly rap music something both were very interested in. In 2017 the duo formed Cartel Madras: a hip-hop duo focusing on trap, gangster rap and new sounds they heard coming from South Indian cities.

“Meeting up with Dave Lopez was not about music, it was about comic books”: Allen Ling

Global chart-topping singer Allen Ling was in Mumbai last month on his maiden Tour of Asia to promote his new video single Closer. Having launched his formal music career only in 2023, the American-Chinese artist has swiftly ascended the music charts with his award-winning 'Heartbreak Trilogy.'

Mix Masala - Penn Masala

How would you like to hear a mashup of Bollywood songs like Coldplay’s Viva La Vida / Jashne-e-Bahara, Ed Sheeran’s Photograph / Aayat / Laal Ishq,” to Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk / Badtameez Dil and many others sung by an a capella group?

Elvis leaves his mark in Nigel 'Elvis' Kingsley

Who would not like to sound like Elvis? I bet, aside from wishing to look like him, every second guy would want to have that Elvis-like baritone voice that makes girls swoon.

Coming Home: Maria Badstue

India born Danish native Maria Badstue's personal life is as intriguing as the music she conducts. Adopted by Danish parents when she was barely 5 months old, the conductor who was on her second visit to the city for a concert at the Tata Theatre, NCPA with the SOI Chamber Orchestra presented works by Sibelius, Biber and the third piano concerto by Beethoven, including the Indian premiere of Cornerstone by Bangalore based Johann Mathews.

Indian culture and music always crossed my path: Lucas Santana

Brazilian artist Lucas Santana has firmly established himself on the international music scene, making a shift from Brazil to Amsterdam. The saxophonist was in Mumbai earlier this year, and made his debut performance in Mumbai, where he performed at the World Jazz Festival in Mumbai on the weekend of 29th & 30th April 2023 at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra.

Budding jazz singer: Tara Lily

Brit / Bangladeshi singer Tara Lily has just finished her set at the Vh1 Supersonic 2023 and is lazing around with her band mates at the artists’ lounge. With slightly permed hair, a necklace, bindi, a nose ring and high heels to boost her short stature and with a Rihanna styled lookalike, Tara is a young and well groomed singer whose made mark in London jazz scene. It’s interesting to hear a 24 year old new talent who got signed to Motown Records, UK with the distinction of being their first British singer.

Singh Is King

One of the highlights of the Mahindra Blues Festival 2023 held in February this year was the guitar wizardry of 29-year-old Argentinean musician Ivan Singh.

On the Beach with Veronica Fusaro

Award winning soul pop artist Veronica Fusaro is no newcomer to Mumbai city, for the Swiss – Italian songstress has visited the country on two occasions for live performances. Fusaro celebrates life, love, the things she sees around her, nature, into lyrics and songs that ignite a spark in anyone who listens to them.

Spice Boy – Yung Raja

Singaporean breakthrough artiste Yung Raja has been dubbed as Southeast Asia’s next avant-garde bilingual hip hop artiste, known for his tasteful unification of Western and Tamil culture in his lyrics. He migrated from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu to Singapore in 1992. His father, Rajid Ahamed, is a recognised poet in the Tamil diaspora community in Singapore and also taught Maths and Science as a college professor for 17 years in Chennai.