Mumbai conscious collective Swadesi released their new single called Adivasi with Adivasi activist Prakash Bhoir on Sunday, 28th January 2024.

After their hit single The Warli Revolt became an anthem to voice the distress and pride of the Adivasis, this song is their second collaboration with Prakash Bhoir. It tells the story of the moolniwasis (known as the original inhabitants), who, with time, are losing their culture.

The Adivasis have always maintained their way of life and lived by the knowledge and wisdom passed down over generations by their ancestors. Even after repeatedly questioning their existence, constant disputes and interference in their way of life, the loss of their land and houses in the Aarey forest in the name of development which is displacing them from their home soil, they have always stood for their right and resisted forced change that is destroying the forest and all life it contains.

In this song, Swadesi and Prakash Bhoir come together to bring back their dying locality, express their feelings, and dance over their struggles. They reinstate how they are the true soldiers of the forest, and they aren’t afraid of anyone who stands in their way. The whole forest lives in harmony, from the trees, to the animals, birds, insects, and Adivasis, who are the original inhabitants living in the forest till this day. They worship and revere the love and blessings the forest has bestowed on them. Adivasi strongly talks about the beauty of the forest, and standing together as one against the system that is constantly trying to acquire their land by using every possible loophole.

Swadesi is India’s premier conscious hip hop collective that experiments with music, Indian folk elements, and enriches their offfering with the influences of the Indian cultural soundscape. They have released many vital singles and albums that add to the wealthy catalog of music in the South Asian diaspora globally - like their debut album Chetavni, their collaborative works with Bandish Projekt, and many definitive releases since 2017. The collective of rappers, producers, and their community beyond music through Swadesi Treks, Swadesi Mela, and more, aims to encourage and increase awareness among today’s youth about issues in our surroundings and daily lives.

Song Credits:

Written and performed by MC Mawali, Maharya, BamBoy and Prakash Bhoir

Produced by RaaKshaS

Mixed by Joshua Fernandes

Mastered by Puneet Samtani

Artwork by Hrushikesh Paithankar and Roxanne Gonsalves