SONIC BOOM
VOGUE India|September - October 2024
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.
SONIC BOOM

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

This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of VOGUE India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of VOGUE India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUE INDIAView All
Current affairs
VOGUE India

Current affairs

Elif Shafak’s work abounds with references, memories and a deep love of Istanbul. She talks to AANCHAL MALHOTRA about the significance of home and those who shape our recollections of the past

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2024
A drop of nostalgia
VOGUE India

A drop of nostalgia

A whiff of Chanel N°5 L'Eau acts as a memory portal for TARINI SOOD, reminding her of the constant tussle between who we are and who we hope to become

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2024
Wild thing's
VOGUE India

Wild thing's

Zebras hold emerald-cut diamonds, panthers morph into ring-bracelets that move and a turtle escapes to become a brooch -Cartier's high jewellery collection Nature Sauvage is a playground of the animal kingdom.

time-read
2 mins  |
September - October 2024
Preity please
VOGUE India

Preity please

Two surprise red-carpet appearances and a movie announcement have everyone obsessing over Preity Zinta. The star behind the aughties’ biggest hits talks film wardrobe favourites, social media and keeping it real.

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2024
Honeymoon travels
VOGUE India

Honeymoon travels

Destination locked, visas acquired, bookings madewhat could stand between a newly-wed couple and pure, unadulterated conjugal bliss in some distant, romantic land? A lot, finds JYOTI KUMARI. Styled by LONGHCHENTI HANSO LONGCHAR

time-read
8 mins  |
September - October 2024
La La Land
VOGUE India

La La Land

They complete each other’s sentences, make music together and get lost on the streets of Paris—this is the love story of Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth.

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
A SHORE THING
VOGUE India

A SHORE THING

Annalea Barreto and Mavrick Cardoz eschewed the big fat Goan wedding for a DIY, intimate, seaside affair that was true to their individual selves.

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2024
7 pheras around the buffet
VOGUE India

7 pheras around the buffet

Celebrating the only real love affair each wedding season: me and a feast.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2024
Saving AI do
VOGUE India

Saving AI do

From getting ChatGPT to plan your wedding itinerary to designing your moodboard on Midjourneytech is officially third-wheeling the big fat Indian wedding

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Love bomb me, please
VOGUE India

Love bomb me, please

Between breadcrumbing, cushioning and situationships, the language of romance seems to be lost in translation. SAACHI GUPTA asks, where has the passion gone?

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024