SONIC BOOM

There was a time when international artists announcing their India tour was all it took to make us happy. Today, with our nation on the cusp of a brave new aural world and desi rhythms reverberating across the globe, the sentiment feels more mutual. AKHIL SOOD speaks to 12 artists across the country whose talents and tenacity have catapulted their tunes to the top of everyone's playlists.

In 2018, Meba Ofilia was still a law student— making it to the fifth semester of the challenging course—while working on her music. That same year, her collaboration with Big Ri, ‘Done Talking’, won the Best Indian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA). Galvanised by this achievement, she dropped out of college to focus on music. “It taught me a lot about relying on myself,” says the R&B singer, who grew up in Shillong and wants to create a sound reminiscent of her childhood. Ofilia listened to a lot of hip-hop, and when she found herself mimicking rappers, she realised she could blend all her influences and form something unique. “I first began singing in the school choir. My style is influenced by my church background.”

Pleated tops, both GAURAV GUPTA. 'Wide Straight Leg Jeans', LEVI'S. Silver hoops, gunmetal hoops, gunmetal ear cuff, silver and gunmetal crater bangles, silver ring; all LUNE

LUCKY ALI

What else is there to say about Lucky Ali? The singer-songwriter has won the hearts of generations of Indians with his trademark searching voice-tender, contemplative words delivered inside magnetic, evergreen melodies you can't help but hum and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. The inseparable bond he shares with music was just as evident on his debut album, Sunoh (1996), featuring the timeless 'O Sanam', as it is now on Subah Ke Taare, which released this year. "I continue to seek," says Ali, still in search of who he is as an artist. "People have their own prerogative but, in my opinion, I haven't made the perfect song yet."

Light Wash Trucker Jacket', '501 Regular Fit Jeans'; both LEVI'S

ARIVU