It was sad news on Saturday 14^th December when the organizers were asked by the police authorities to cancel the NH7 Weekender. Many youngsters were eagerly awaiting yet another edition of NH7 Weekender, celebrated for its bustling energy and diverse lineup of performances. NH7 Weekender remains a sought-after platform for nurturing emerging talent. NH7 Weekender serves as a catalyst for musical discovery while inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a celebration of artistry.

To be held at the sprawling 13-acre Teerth Fields in Pune on the weekend of 14th and 15^th December, the festival was abruptly cancelled after the organisers were denied permission from the Pimpri-Chinchwad police. The much-anticipated gig was scheduled to take place around 3 pm, but the sudden cancellation left thousands of visitors disappointed.

The 15th edition of NH7 Weekender was all set to feature over 30 artists, including international acts like Jorja Smith and Indian favourites like Amit Trivedi, Usha Uthup, King and Kayan. 

A statement released on the Instagram account of Nh7 Weekender social media platform reads, “We are extremely disheartened to inform you that NH7 Weekender 2024 will no longer take place on 14th-15th December due to law and order restrictions in Pune. We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. Despite our best efforts to resolve the situation and having everything ready for the gates to open, it ultimately remained beyond our control. We assure all ticket holders that they will receive a refund via our ticketing partner, insider/district within 7-10 days. Detailed instructions for the refund process will be communicated in the coming days. We apologise for the inconvenience and deeply. Appreciate your unwavering support. As we enter the 15th year of the festival, the weekender family means more to us than ever. Thank you for standing by us.”

But that aside, we take a moment to reflect on five talented musicians who began their festival journey at NH7 Weekender and explore their growth journey since then.

Ritviz

Ritviz has made significant strides in the music scene through his remarkable journey, starting with NH7 Weekender. He embarked on his musical career with an opening act at NH7 Weekender in Delhi in 2015. After captivating listeners with hit numbers and memorable performances, he bowled the crowd over as a headliner in his home ground Pune, back in 2018. His return to lead the festival’s Pune and Kolkata shows in 2022 made for a special treat for fans who have witnessed his evolution. Ritviz's distinctive music continues to shape him into the celebrated artist we’ve grown to love.

Nucleya

Nucleya has come a long way from making his debut as an opening artist. His journey represents an incredible discovery at NH7 Weekender. Nucleya got the opportunity to open for British electronic duo Knife Party at the 2014 edition of the festival, enthralling fans. By headlining the main stage in 2015, Nucleya solidified his status as a beloved favourite among fans and Weekender Warriors.

Amit Trivedi

Amit Trivedi, a renowned Indian music director, composer, and singer, is one of the first prominent Bollywood names associated with NH7 Weekender. Trivedi showcased his unique ability to blend mainstream and indie music at the festival. His performance not only highlighted his versatility as a composer and singer but also added a rich layer of Indian musicality to the event. Trivedi's performance marked a pivotal moment, bridging the gap between Bollywood and the indie music scene.

Divine

The acclaimed "Baazigar," Indian rapper Divine made a notable appearance at NH7 Weekender in 2018. Starting his journey from the “gully”, he found inspiration in his surroundings and the struggles of his community. Divine's presence at the NH7 Weekender not only fuelled the crowd’s pulsating energy but also underscored the burgeoning popularity of hip-hop in India. His electrifying performance marked a significant moment, highlighting the evolving landscape of hip-hop music in the country.

Hanumankind              

The viral sensation Hanumankind first debuted at NH7 Weekender in 2019. In March 2022 he played with his group Till Apes, and closed the 13 Mera Stage in November 2022 on Day 3 of the festival. Hanumankind’s spirited performance at the festival struck a chord with audiences.

Prateek Kuhad

Prateek Kuhad's journey at NH7 Weekender beautifully illustrates his evolution as an artist within India's music landscape. Beginning his career in 2013 as a relatively new performer, Kuhad quickly enchanted audiences with his soulful and intimate performances. As his fan base expanded significantly over the years, he made a return to NH7 Weekender again in 2022 as a headliner, to win over the audiences once again.