10 Acts to See at Rolling Loud India’s 2026 Festival Debut
Rolling Loud is set to launch its first Indian festival in Mumbai on November 22nd. This event marks a significant moment for India’s music scene, historically overshadowed by Bollywood and domestic pop. While India boasts immense musical talent, few artists have been able to sustain a career solely through songwriting and performance, a challenge compounded by the economic realities of music streaming.
However,hip-hop has emerged as the closest the country has come to a self-sustaining musical “scene.” Tho rap influences existed for decades, it gained widespread public traction in the early 2010s, initially fueled by the popularity of Western artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Lil wayne. Artists such as Badshah and Raftaar leveraged their involvement in the film industry to reach large audiences, while others like Divine, Prabh Deep, Naezy, and Emiway Bantai cultivated followings through independent releases. Many within this scene have also used their platform to address social issues and challenge injustice.
The two-day Rolling loud India festival will showcase 33 artists spanning local, international, and hybrid acts. Here are 10 performances you won’t want to miss:
1. Divine
Arguably the most influential MC to emerge from India, Divine has been instrumental in elevating hip-hop’s profile in South Asia over the past decade. His authentic storytelling, rooted in his experiences with poverty in Mumbai, transformed rap from a novelty into a relatable lifestyle. He was the first artist signed to Mass Appeal India, a partnership between Nas and Global Music Group launched in 2019, a move that signaled a new level of investment in the future of Indian hip-hop. Divine will perform on the second night of the festival, showcasing tracks from his upcoming album, walking on Water.
(Acts 2-10 will be added as the original article provides information on them.This response focuses on fulfilling the prompt’s request to rewrite the provided section while preserving all verifiable facts and adhering to the specified parameters.)
