Rolling Loud announces plans for festival in India
Rolling Loud to host inaugural festival in India
Big news just dropped — Rolling Loud, the world’s largest hip-hop festival, is officially coming to Mumbai, India. The announcement marks a monumental expansion of the festival’s global footprint, as India becomes the seventh international location to host this iconic celebration of rap culture.
For co-founders Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, this move isn’t just about growth — it’s about connection. With a decade-long rise in Indian hip-hop that’s birthed a spectrum of vibrant subgenres and breakout stars, India is more than ready for a moment like this.
“We never imagined Rolling Loud would take us all the way to India — it’s incredible,” Zingler and Cherif said in a joint statement. “The hip-hop scene in India has been booming, and bringing the festival to India felt like the right decision. We’re excited to create a space where Indian fans can celebrate the artists they love, while also introducing international acts to a new audience.”
Why India? A Decade of Hip-Hop Evolution
Over the past ten years, India’s hip-hop scene has grown from underground whispers to a cultural roar. From the streets of Mumbai to the alleys of Delhi, and deep into Punjab, Kerala, and beyond, Indian rap music now commands massive audiences, both domestically and globally.
Key subgenres that have emerged include:
- Punjabi hip-hop, led by artists like AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, and the late Sidhu Moose Wala, which blends traditional folk sounds with trap and drill.
- Haryanvi rap, representing the northern state with hyper-local street anthems and regional pride.
- Malayalam hip-hop, booming in the south, often incorporating politically charged lyricism and melodic experimentation.
- Mumbai’s gully rap scene, best showcased in the 2019 film Gully Boy, which introduced the world to artists like DIVINE and Naezy.
With Indian hip-hop now topping streaming charts and dominating YouTube trends, Rolling Loud’s arrival is not just symbolic — it’s strategic. India is home to over 600 million people under the age of 25, many of whom are passionate about both local and international hip-hop culture.
Rolling Loud’s International Journey So Far
Rolling Loud India joins a powerful global network of festivals under the Rolling Loud brand, which has successfully landed in:
- Miami (the flagship)
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Portugal
- Thailand
- Germany
- The Netherlands
And now: India.
Each expansion has brought together a mix of top-tier international acts — think Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Playboi Carti — alongside regional stars who dominate local scenes. With India’s uniquely diverse linguistic and musical culture, the fusion of global stars with Indian rap heavyweights is expected to be something truly special.
What Fans Can Expect
Though dates, location, and lineup are still under wraps, excitement is already building across social media. Based on previous international editions, fans can anticipate:
- Multiple stages, high-production visuals, and immersive installations.
- A genre-spanning lineup featuring a mix of global A-listers and rising Indian talent.
- Community-based activations that tie local streetwear, food, and art into the experience.
- Potential partnerships with Indian labels, streaming platforms, and cultural brands to promote inclusivity and cross-cultural collaboration.
In past editions, Rolling Loud has made efforts to incorporate local culture, not just musically, but visually and experientially — from set design to curated pop-up shops featuring regional creators.
Indian Artists Who Could Grace the Stage
While the official lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, fans are already speculating about which Indian artists could potentially appear at Rolling Loud India. Some of the names trending in online discussions include:
- DIVINE – the face of Indian hip-hop and founder of Gully Gang Entertainment.
- Raftaar – a veteran emcee known for his technical prowess and versatility.
- KR$NA – Delhi’s lyrical heavyweight who’s made waves with international collabs.
- Prabh Deep, Ikka, Seedhe Maut, and Dino James – all known for their raw delivery and massive followings.
- Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon, and Shubh – the modern Punjabi icons who’ve bridged Canada and India with viral hits.
With India’s rich regional diversity, don’t be surprised if the lineup also includes rising voices from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal. Rolling Loud could become a melting pot where India’s multilingual hip-hop ecosystem is presented on a world-class platform.
A Cultural Exchange Through Hip-Hop
Rolling Loud has always been about more than just music. It’s a cultural meeting ground where fashion, politics, youth identity, and raw artistic expression intersect. By coming to India, Rolling Loud is providing not just a concert, but a global stage for South Asian creativity.
“For us, it’s always been about building community through hip-hop — and we can’t wait to experience how India shows up,” said co-founders Zingler and Cherif.
The festival’s arrival could spark long-lasting shifts:
- International collaborations between U.S. and Indian artists.
- Increased investment from labels, sponsors, and streaming services in India’s independent rap scene.
- Global visibility for artists who previously thrived on regional platforms like YouTube, Gaana, and Wynk but haven’t broken into international touring circuits.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
News of Rolling Loud India has already exploded on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram, with fans, artists, and media outlets sharing reactions ranging from “dream come true” to “about time.”
According to organizers, details will be shared in the coming weeks, so fans are encouraged to follow Rolling Loud’s social media accounts and sign up for email alerts.
A Defining Moment for Indian Hip-Hop
Rolling Loud India isn’t just a concert — it’s a recognition of India’s global potential in hip-hop culture. For years, Indian rappers have built empires on their own terms, without the backing of major Western platforms. Now, one of the biggest names in global music festivals is coming to meet them where they are.
It’s a full-circle moment. A confirmation that Indian hip-hop matters — not just locally, but globally.
Stay tuned for more updates as Rolling Loud India prepares to make history.