Malayalam hip-hop is getting a platform of its own this Onam. ZEE5 is set to launch Indie Kerala Underground, a new music reality show that brings together some of Kerala’s emerging rap talent and established names from the state’s underground hip-hop scene.

The show will begin streaming exclusively on Malayalam ZEE5 from August 28, as part of the platform’s Onam celebrations.

10 rappers, 10 episodes and four mentors

Indie Kerala Underground will follow 10 aspiring rappers as they compete for the championship title over 10 episodes. Guiding them through the competition will be Malayalam hip-hop artists Dabzee, The Imbachi, MC Couper and Parimal Shais, who will mentor the contestants.

Rather than focusing only on the competitive side of a music reality show, the series aims to showcase the culture that has grown around Malayalam hip-hop. The contestants will bring their own experiences, identities and stories to their music, reflecting how a younger generation is using rap to express itself.

‘A new contemporary voice’ for Onam

ZEE5 sees the show as a way of adding a modern voice to this year’s Onam celebrations.

“Onam is a celebration of Kerala’s culture and its people. Through Kerala Underground, we are trying to bring a new contemporary voice to these celebrations. We are delighted to bring this much-awaited show to audiences,” said Lloyd C. Xavier, Senior Vice President, Marketing, South and Business Head, Tamil & Malayalam, ZEE5.

Dabzee believes hip-hop has become an important way for young people in Kerala to tell their stories.

“Kerala has always had its own unique way of telling its stories. Hip-hop has emerged as one of the most exciting ways for this generation to tell their stories,” he said.

MC Couper also highlighted the personal side of the genre.

“For me, hip-hop has always been about identity and representing where we come from. Indie Kerala Underground brings all of this together in one place and gives artists an opportunity to truly showcase their talent,” he said.

Artists bring their own stories

According to Parimal Shais, the show is not just about the contestants competing against one another. It also creates space for the wider hip-hop community.

“Indie Kerala Underground gives a platform to the entire ecosystem. What makes it exciting is that every artist comes with a different story,” he said.

The Imbachi, meanwhile, feels the show could mark an important moment for the genre.

“This platform proves that Malayalam hip-hop can no longer be ignored,” he said.

With its focus on emerging artists and Kerala's growing underground rap culture, Indie Kerala Underground hopes to go beyond the usual music reality show format and connect with a younger audience.

The show will stream exclusively on Malayalam ZEE5 from August 28.