Hanumankind, a Malayali rapper who gained international recognition last year for his viral hit song "Big Dawgs," has put another feather to his cap. He will perform at the esteemed Coachella music and arts festival, making him just the second Indian to do so. The Punjabi musician Diljit Dosanjh, who played at Coachella 2024, is followed by Hanumankind. The line-up for Coachella 2025 was revealed by the festival's organisers on Wednesday. Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone will be the main acts, with Travis Scott serving as a special guest.
The big event in the California desert that starts the music festival circuit will also feature Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, and Megan Thee Stallion. This year, Coachella will be held over two three-day weekends on April 11–13 and 18–20. As scheduled, Hanumankind will perform on a Saturday. But whether it will take place on April 12 or April 19 has not been made clear.
Hanumankind’s inclusion in Coachella's lineup symbolizes the festival's dedication to showcasing diverse musical talents. His unique blend of Indian hip-hop, characterized by thought-provoking lyrics and cutting-edge beats, has been lauded for pushing boundaries. This opportunity places him alongside global heavyweights, providing a platform to represent Indian music on an international stage.
Diljit Dosanjh’s performance at Coachella earlier demonstrated the appeal of Indian music to a global audience, paving the way for more artists like Hanumankind. His upcoming performance at Coachella reaffirms the festival’s openness to diverse cultural sounds and highlights the growing influence of Indian artists in international music scenes.
Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, and Tyler the Creator were the main acts at the festival last year. No Doubt had a special reunion performance as well. In 2024, Taylor Swift was also a major draw at the San Jacinto Mountains-fronted grounds, but she was there as a spectator rather than a performer. Diljit brought Punjabi music to the renowned event for the first time, making his performance the festival's high point for Indian fans.