Notes of freedom
Sheetal
This year marked a distinct change in the music scene. While Bollywood was busy banking on old songs and Punjabi music industry, English singers took some Spanish lessons in a bid to be versatile! Apart from Jonas brothers getting together what evolved in 2019 is the genre of hip hop. Post Malone, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X coming out strong in Hollywood, we had some local independent rap artistes making a mark as well.
The latest song Kohinoor of Divine, ‘Dabbey mein tha paisa, ab teen bank account hain’, sums up the scene of underground music and artistes. The success of Gully Boy led to other artistes suddenly rapping in Marathi, Tamil and Gujarati. Songs like Vibe Hai featuring Aavrutti, D’Evil and Shah Rule did well, while artistes like Emiway Bantai and Kaam Bhaari were out performing in different cities of India.
International collaborations
- Badshah collaborated with J Balvin and Major Lazer for Que Calor remix, while Indian music lovers got to hear Katy Perry’s roars and the melodious voice of Dua Lipa together. Ahimsa, a collaboration of AR Rahman with U2, is rocking too. In fact, AR Rahman will be opening for U2 in Mumbai (The Joshua Tree Tour 2019) on December 15, 2019.
Underground sensation of the year Divine also rapped with his idol Nas in NY se Mumbai, with Naezy and Ranveer Singh. Divine’s first album Kohinoor has also been launched under international label of Nas. Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala did a single, 47, featuring different artistes like Mist, Steel Banglez and Stefflon Don.
Having made a mark at the Star Screen Awards with the songs of Kabir Singh, Vishal Mishra shared, “This year was all about independent artistes and their music. I am happy that young artistes are getting a chance to bring something new on to the table.”
Helping hand
Streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify and SoundCloud are helping new artistes a lot. Artistes like Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X remained at the top of Billboard charts, thanks to online streaming apps. Tik Tok has also been reviving the taste of youngsters with old lyrics. Also, remixes had a field day!
artistes of his song 47
In 2019, almost every Bollywood movie had one Punjabi number, which also happened to be its poster song for the promotions! Well, we leave it to the masses to judge whether recreated Punjabi songs used in movies were a miss or a hit.
At the same time, one cannot look back at 2019 and ignore the deadly combination of Tanishq Bagchi and regional singers. With songs like Chamma Chamma (remake), Photo (remake), Tu Laung Main Elaachi (remake), Hauli Hauli (remake), Koka, Shehar Ki Ladki (remake) to the latest Dheeme Dheeme (remake), looks like Tanishq and his team sure know what works at the box-office.
The Punjabi music industry also did well this year. Diljit’s song Kylie+Kareena talked about a girl who had features similar to both of them! Also, B Praak’s roped-in Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Akshay Kumar for two singles, Bada Pachtaoge and Filhall, respectively.
sheetal.dadhwal@tribunemail.com
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access.
Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Already a Member? Sign In Now
