Bengaluru based rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, made a stunning debut at Coachella 2025, performing alongside a troupe of Chenda drummers from Kerala. The performance, which featured his viral hits like "Run It Up" and "Big Dawgs," was a high octane fusion of hip hop and traditional South Indian percussion. He was joined on stage by the US-based Malayali band Kochuveettil Beats, whose thundering rhythms brought a distinctly Indian flavor to the iconic Californian festival.
Hanumankind became the fourth Indian artist to perform at Coachella, joining the ranks of trailblazing Indian musicians who have made their mark on the global stage. His set drew a massive crowd, and videos of the electrifying performance quickly went viral on Instagram and other social media platforms.
This year’s Coachella lineup also featured global music heavyweights including Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Post Malone, and Charli XCX.
With the powerful resonance of the Chenda—a traditional cylindrical percussion instrument from Kerala and a high energy rap delivery, Sooraj brought his roots to the forefront, giving the world a taste of India's vibrant musical heritage.
The Chenda, crafted from the softwood of the jackfruit tree and covered with tightly-stretched cowhide, is known for its deep, reverberating sound. It holds a vital place in religious and cultural ceremonies across Kerala and Tulu Nadu (coastal Karnataka), where it’s also known as the Chende.
Hanumankind rose to international recognition with "Big Dawgs," and his recent releases delve even deeper into India's rich traditions. His latest track, "Run It Up," highlights indigenous martial arts and classical dance forms from across the country, blending old-world elegance with new-school swagger.
The track even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Hanumankind during the 120th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat. Modi commended the rapper for promoting Indian heritage on a global scale, saying:
“Friends, our indigenous games are now becoming part of popular culture. You all must be aware of the famous rapper Hanumankind. His new song 'Run It Up' is gaining popularity these days, and it features our traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta. I congratulate Hanumankind for his efforts as people around the world are now learning about our traditional martial arts.”
As Indian hip-hop continues to evolve, artists like Hanumankind are redefining what it means to represent India on the world stage, celebrating tradition while pushing creative boundaries.
