It’s official, Indian music is no longer just a cultural export, Vivaan Shenoy takes you through the global rise of Indian music, which has gone from cultural niche to a worldwide phenomenon. From packed stadiums in London to trending Reels in Brazil, Desi sound is now a universal language that connects with audiences far beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Diljit Dosanjh made headlines as the first Indian artist to take over Coachella, delivering an all-Punjabi set that had LA vibing to dhol rhythms. AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla are leading the brown boy wave with sold-out international tours, luxury collabs, and chart-dominating anthems that fuse hip-hop, R&B, and Punjabi pride.
Then there’s DIVINE, India’s homegrown rap king, whose collaborations with international producers and Netflix placements have taken Mumbai street rap global. Shubh, the breakout Punjabi singer-songwriter, is connecting with younger audiences worldwide through his moody, melodic style. And King, fresh off a global hit with ‘Tu Aake Dekhle,’ continues to experiment with pop-rap, performing at festivals in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Whether it’s Tamil trap, indie Hindi pop, or Bollywood EDM remixes, the appeal of Indian music lies in its fusion of tradition and trend, English hooks layered over tabla beats, regional lyrics with universal emotions, and a visual aesthetic that’s both rooted and runway-ready.
Indian music is no longer a subculture. It’s the moment.