‘Big Dawg’ Hanumankind puts Kerala on the Coachella map with epic 'Chenda melam' performance | WATCH
Rapper Hanumankind turned Coachella 2025 into a desi celebration as he made his debut at the iconic music festival with a powerful blend of hip-hop and Kerala tradition. The Bengaluru-based artist, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, brought the thunder of chenda melam—a traditional drum ensemble from his home state of Kerala—on stage, marking one of the most culturally rooted performances ever seen at the California-based festival.
Performing to a roaring crowd, Hanumankind delivered energetic renditions of his hits “Big Dawgs,” “Run It Up,” and “Go To Sleep.” The set was anything but ordinary. As the beats of chenda echoed across the desert, his traditional percussion troupe, Kochuveetil Beats, dressed in classic white Kerala attire, joined him in transforming the Coachella stage into a vibrant display of Indian artistry.
A proud moment for India at Coachella
Hanumankind’s show wasn’t just a musical act—it was a celebration of Indian identity. As he performed, the crowd erupted in cheers, many recording the moment on their phones and singing along. One viral video captured him holding his mic out to the audience as they belted the lyrics back at him.
For fans, the inclusion of chenda melam was more than a musical element. The chenda, a cylindrical percussion instrument deeply embedded in Kerala’s cultural history, was a symbol of pride. The performance struck a chord with Indian viewers online, many of whom praised Hanumankind for boldly representing his roots on a global stage.
"Thank you for having me," he says
Sharing moments from his performance on Instagram Stories, Hanumankind posted clips of the electrifying set, writing, “@coachella Thank you for having me.” He also gave fans a peek at his on-stage collaboration with American rapper Maxo Kream, who joined him for part of the performance.
From viral tracks to Coachella fame
Hanumankind rose to global fame following the release of “Big Dawgs” in July 2024. The track, featuring rapper Kalmi, made waves internationally, debuting at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. His most recent release, “Run It Up,” is equally dynamic, incorporating folk traditions and martial arts into its music video.
The 33-year-old rapper also made his acting debut in the Malayalam film Rifle Club in 2024. But it’s his music—blending Western beats with Indian aesthetics—that has cemented his place as one of India’s most compelling new voices.
PM Modi’s praise and cultural pride
His artistry has earned high praise—not just from fans, but also from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the 120th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister applauded Hanumankind for integrating martial arts such as Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta into the “Run It Up” music video.
“Our traditional games are increasingly becoming integrated into mainstream culture. The latest track by the famous rapper Hanumankind, ‘Run It Up,’ is gaining significant popularity at the moment,” PM Modi said. “I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts, people of the world are getting to know about our traditional martial arts.”
Carrying the torch for Indian artists
Following in the footsteps of Punjabi artists Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon, who performed at Coachella in 2024, Hanumankind has taken India’s place on the global music stage to a whole new level. His culturally resonant, high-energy set at Coachella 2025 has not only wowed festivalgoers but also sparked pride among Indian audiences across the world.
(With inputs from ANI)