Coachella 2025 witnessed an electrifying cultural fusion as Indian rapper Hanumankind brought Kerala’s traditional chenda melam to one of the world’s biggest music festivals. The performance, which took place on the festival's second weekend, stood out for its fearless innovation—merging the pulsating rhythms of South India with bold, contemporary hip-hop beats. Known for his powerful stage presence and genre-defying sound, Hanumankind has always strived to push the boundaries of Indian hip-hop. But his Coachella set took things to a whole new level.

Backed by a live ensemble of chenda artists from Kerala, his act was a celebration of both roots and rebellion, ancient rhythm and modern poetry. The thunderous drumming of the chenda—a cylindrical percussion instrument central to Kerala’s temple and festival music—provided an intense, almost trance-like backdrop to Hanumankind’s high-octane verses. Fans and music critics alike were quick to praise the performance for its originality and authenticity. Social media platforms buzzed with clips from the set, showing audiences at the festival swaying and stomping to the hypnotic sounds of the chenda, many hearing it for the first time.

For global audiences unfamiliar with the rich percussion traditions of South India, it was a gripping introduction—one that felt as cinematic as it was sonic. In interviews post-performance, Hanumankind shared that the idea had been brewing for over a year. “Chenda melam has this raw, primal energy that matches hip-hop’s defiant spirit,” he said. “It felt natural to bring them together. I wanted to show the world that Indian culture isn’t just classical—it’s fierce, it's alive, and it belongs on the global stage.”

This performance marks a major moment not just for Hanumankind’s career, but for the broader representation of Indian music on international platforms. While Indian classical and Bollywood influences have occasionally made appearances at global festivals, the inclusion of something as regionally specific and culturally rich as chenda melam signals a shift—towards deeper, more diverse storytelling in music. It’s not just about making noise—it’s about making a statement. And with drums that loud, the world couldn’t help but listen.