10 Desi Fusion Songs You Need to Know
As a Bollywood-music-aficionada, I always appreciate a good shuffle of my 24 hour and 46 minute desi playlist. It’s perfect background music to pretty much anything–brushing my teeth, walking to class, idling in class, taking the metro–and also serves as a welcome blast from the past when I hear the early 2000s music I would dance to as a child. My desi playlist is definitely one of my most treasured possessions; if I were stranded on a deserted island, forget an emergency raft. All I would need is that collection of music to transport me somewhere else, somewhere far away.
However, as someone who also appreciates Western tunes, I sometimes find the different aspects of my music taste at odds with one another. Flipping between my desi playlist and Western music gives my brain a dizzy, dissonant feeling–it’s like I have to tell my eardrums to configure themselves differently when I go from “Sheila Ki Jawaani” to “No Scrubs”, no matter how similar the lyrical content may seem.
This is why one of my favorite genres of music is desi fusion–specifically, music that incorporates English and Asian language lyrics, ethnic-inspired instrumentals, and genre-bending artists who blur the lines between “Tere haath kabhi na aani” and “I don’t want no scrub.” If you want to spice up your Spotify with extraordinary music by incredible female South Asian artists, then get ready! Here are ten desi fusion songs you need to know.
“Ladke” by Shreea Kaul and REHMA
“I can’t stand these ladke, ladke, ladke.” This empowering track incorporates witty Hindi remarks within its catchy beat. If you’re sick of ladke not acting right, this is the song for you. It’s been an absolute favorite of mine for so long!
“AnBae” by Maharani and ItsyaboiKay
“Baby I’m a fool for you.” This song introduced me to a magical mix of English, Tamil, and Dutch that was truly unforgettable. “AnBae” is a soft, slow serenade to a lover, and it warms my heart with each replay.
“Out of Love” by Raashi Sood and Raja Kumari
“You always leave me lonely, bewafa, bewafa.” R&R have served up some absolutely electric dance pop with this track. Punjabi and English are combined into a fiery blast of bass and badass. If you have a song missing on your “party pop” playlist, “Out of Love” is just what you need.
“Sad Girlz Luv Jiya Jale” by SANJ
“I think you’re such a hottie.” If you love “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” by Amaarae and “Jiya Jale” by Lata Mangeshkar, SANJ is about to change your life.
“Tere Naal” by Rupika
“Boy, you make me reminisce.” This song features a mesmerizing blend of English and Hindi lyrics. Rupika’s voice is like honey, drawing you into the sweet melody of an emphatic love song.
“Ello Jogappa” by Vidya Vox
“We’re wanderers, we’re travelers.” A remix of a Kannada folk song, “Ello Jogappa” is a beautiful tribute to its predecessor, a gorgeous tapestry of languages and emotions.
“Bang Bang” by Tasha Tah
“You shot me in my heart, and I’m bleeding.” Tasha Tah gets hips moving with this reggae-inspired Punjabi beat. A perfect song to dance to, “Bang Bang” needs to be next in your queue.
“Chicken Lemon Rice” by Priya Ragu
“Damn-shes-tamil, only his type.” Tamil, French, English, and “bad gyal” vibes all around. You’ll want seconds for sure!
“My Roots” by Sandhya Chari
“Brown girl, rise up higher.” An inspiring tribute to brown girls everywhere, “My Roots” takes you on a tour of desi culture and showcases the beauty of bindis, jhumkas, and the untold stories of brown girl history.
“Mistake” by Bambi Bains
“Gonna dance you off my mind.” This English + Punjabi track is the perfect melody to round off the list. If you’ve ever been on the brink of making some questionable life choices, Bambi Bains has the tune for you.
Of course, this list isn’t all-inclusive. I’m constantly exploring new fusion songs and artists who blend different styles and languages into their work. Intersectional and multifaceted songs are changing the face of fusion music, and I for one am eager to play and replay (and replay and replay) each and every new release!
If you want to hear more hits that we love here at Kahani, be on the lookout for our Spotify playlist, coming soon!
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