Early this year, Rema’s Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez conquered the global charts, bringing the Afrobeats genre into the spotlight.

In India as well, this genre has found a number of passionate fans over the last year. With multiple sub-genres that borrow from other music styles like hip-hop, jazz, latin, and lo-fi as well as cultural nuances like chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms and percussion instrumentals, this versatile genre has brought forth talent from across the country.

Last month, Hamza Rahimtaula, Secular Chai, MC Scoopy, TNT, Kampai, KSC, Makrand Sanon and Kartikeya Vashist brought their A-game to the Bacardi Rum Room in Delhi, kicking off the summer with tropical Caribbean Island vibes.

Here’s a glimpse into their Afrobeat journey.

Hamza Rahimtaula:

A global citizen who enjoys showcasing his international influences in his music, Hamza has donned many hats in the course of his musical journey. He is a DJ, a music producer, and the head of a record label, and is known for his organically-charged deep house textures. His work re-imagines mystical melodies and eternal rhythms to fit in with the aesthetic of today's clubs, bars, and beachsides – offering a refreshing sound that fits whatever setting you’re in.

Secular Chai:

Devoted to bringing French magic back to the music scene, Secular Chai’s unique blend of French tunes with disco and hip hop is a groove that will effortlessly enliven your parties. Started as a project by DJ Aprajita Singh, expect to be transported to the good ol’ golden days of funk,  French house, disco and hip hop.

MC Soopy:

Experimental, urban, and bursting with high octane bars, Delhi-based DJ MC Soopy aka Siddhant Roop Rai, is known for his high energy mic skills in the Indian underground music scene. With grime infused rapping and recognisable Delhi vibe, his freestyles and dynamic energy area crowd pleaser every time.

Kampai:

Upcoming artist Rumit Virmani aka DJ Kampai has been setting the stage ablaze at clubs across the country with his electrifying beats. His eclectic sounds draw from genres including Electronic, Afro house, Global Bass, Future beats – and will be a perfect addition to all your bass heavy playlists.

KSC:

As a powerful up-and-comer, KSC aka Kunal Singh Chhabra has been making waves in the Indian electronic music scene for the last eight years, starting at the young age of 16. His passion for sharing his music discoveries has led him to host radio shows such as Barbecue Chutney and Public Service Sounds for All Star Sauce. His groovy and energetic tracks, his music is perfect for a house party vibe  to get people on the dance floor.

TNT:

With an explosive debut at the Bacardi Rum Room in Delhi this February, Afrobeat duo TNT featuring Nikhil Taneja and Aashray Khurana, bring a uniquely electric take on the Indian Afrobeat genre. Driven by their mutual love for tropical Latin rhythms, Hip Hop, and underground electronica. Weaving in past influences of percussion and synth, this duo brings in a fresh and electric sound that will make you groove.

Kartikeya Vashist:

Master flutist Kartikeya Vashist is a well-traveled musician who has created his own unique style of instrumental melodies from the influences of carnatic and folk music. Marrying his learnings from renowned Indian masters with his experiences of cultural music from around the world, he brings a unique style of musical improvisation that transcends styles; and is sure to find a longstanding place in both your playlists and your memories.

Makrand Sanon:

A versatile performer and percussionist, Makrand Sanon employs his multi-genre expertise to explore exhilarating musical experiments with classical Indian music. Incorporating instruments as varied as the tabla, the drums, and the djembe, Makrand creates immaculate beats that are perfect to vibe to for hours.

Want to hear some afrobeats? Then head to the HGStreet Festival and visit the Bacardi stage where a special section has been dedicated to celebrating island afrobeat sounds along with some signature rum cocktails. You can also get a quick lesson in Caribbean moves, as Jahnavi Saisuresh leads an afrobeat dance workshop on the floor.