Hanumankind sets Coachella 2025 on fire with an unforgettable debut, stepping onto the stage with Kerala’s Chenda drummers and proudly representing Indian hip-hop. Dive into his culture-rooted, boundary-breaking performance.

On April 12, 2025, Hanumankind, real name Sooraj Cherukat, stepped onto the Coachella stage and made history. Not just as one of the few Indian artists to ever perform at the iconic festival, but as someone who turned his entire set into a celebration of identity, roots, and raw artistic power. This wasn’t just another gig. It was a cultural reset.

A Grand Entrance Like No Other

Forget pyros and smoke machines, Hanumankind kicked things off with something way more powerful: the booming, soul-shaking sounds of a Chenda Melam. That’s a traditional percussion ensemble from his home state of Kerala. It’s the kind of sound you hear at temple festivals, echoing through the streets, heavy with emotion and energy.

The rapper’s decision to enter with this desi drumline wasn’t just for dramatic effect, it was personal. A love letter to where he comes from. The way the Chenda drummers shook the desert air in California made it clear: Hanumankind isn’t here to fit into the global scene, he’s here to stand out. And he’s doing it on his own terms.

From ‘Big Dawgs’ to Coachella Bars

After that powerful intro, the set rolled into a high-octane run of crowd-favorite tracks, including “Run It Up“ and “Big Dawgs.” If you’ve followed his journey, you know these aren’t just hits, they’re sonic statements. “Big Dawgs,” produced by Kalmi and directed by Bijoy Shetty, had already made waves with its fearless visuals featuring ‘Maut ka Kuan’ riders. 

It wasn’t long before the track landed him a spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and caught the global scene’s attention.

‘Run It Up’ – A Love Letter to Indian Culture

Leading up to Coachella, Hanumankind dropped “Run It Up,” a track that felt like a flag being planted for Indian culture in global hip-hop. The video brought together martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang Ta, and Mardani Khel. 

It featured Theyyam, that fiery, divine dance form from Kerala, and yes, the Chenda made another appearance. It wasn’t just hip-hop. It was heritage with a beat drop.

A Win for Indian Hip-Hop

Hanumankind’s debut wasn’t just about him. It was a collective win for the Indian hip-hop community. He brought his full self to that stage, language, rhythm, visual art, tradition, and made it all look effortlessly cool. 

It proved that desi hip-hop doesn’t need to mimic anyone else to go global. It just needs a mic and a moment.

Shoutout to the Fans & Coachella

Following the performance, Hanumankind shared a series of videos on his Instagram Stories capturing moments from his Coachella set. In one clip, he wrote, “@coachella, thank you for having me,” giving fans a glimpse of the emotion and gratitude behind the scenes. 

One of the standout moments he shared featured a surprise on-stage link-up with American rapper Maxo Kream.

A Quick Note on Coachella 2025

Coachella 2025, one of the biggest music festivals on the planet, is being held over two weekends, April 11–13 and April 18–20, at its traditional home, the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, USA. It’s a festival known not just for its massive global audience and iconic headliners but also for championing diverse artists and introducing global sounds to new ears. 

Hanumankind’s inclusion is another step in bringing Indian hip-hop to that global mainstage.

What’s Next?

Having played Coachella 2025, Hanumankind’s trajectory is only going upward. But what makes him really stand out isn’t just talent, it’s his honesty. He’s not trying to be someone else. 

He’s not trying to water down where he comes from. And that’s exactly why people all over the world are listening.

For more real, raw, and unfiltered takes on the latest Desi Hip-Hop drops, stay tuned to Desi Rap Network!