Rapper Hanumankind brought a touch of Kerala to the Coachella stage this year by incorporating a traditional chenda melam into his performance. The artist, known for his tracks “Run It Up” and “Big Dawgs,” teamed up with the Kochuveetil Beats, a chenda percussion group, to deliver an unforgettable performance that celebrated his roots.
The musicians, dressed in traditional white outfits, added an energetic beat as they accompanied Hanumankind during his set, especially for his latest hit, “Run It Up.” The fusion of hip-hop and Kerala’s vibrant percussion art was a crowd-pleaser, with fans enthusiastically recording and singing along to the performance. At one point, Hanumankind even handed the microphone over to the crowd, allowing them to join in, creating a memorable moment for everyone.
Chenda, a traditional cylindrical drum from Kerala, has been a staple in the region’s cultural festivals for centuries. Its inclusion in Hanumankind’s Coachella performance drew positive reactions from fans, who were thrilled to see an artist represent Indian traditions on such a global stage. One fan expressed their excitement, commenting, “The world ain’t ready for what Indian performances have in store,” while another praised the performance with, “Woaah. Faayaaah.” A fan even wrote in Malayalam, saying, “This is what it is all about! DOPE! ABSOLUTELY DOPE!!!!!!” Another supporter added, “Boy is born to claim,” showing their admiration for Hanumankind’s growing influence.
The chenda musicians, too, were excited by the moment, with one of them, Immanuel Sunny, taking to social media to share his excitement, writing, “Ayyyyyyy that’s me!!”
About Hanumankind:
Hanumankind, a versatile rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor from Kerala, first gained widespread attention in 2024 with his viral track “Big Dawgs,” featuring Kalmi. His music even caught the attention of ASAP Rocky, who joined him on a remixed version of the song. Hanumankind’s latest release, “Run It Up,” continues to build on his growing popularity. In addition to his music career, Hanumankind also made his acting debut in the hit Malayalam film Rifle Club in 2024.
