M.I.A., Ezra Collective, Cartel Madras to Perform at Bacardí NH7 Weekender

Music festival Bacardí NH7 Weekender has announced its Phase 1 lineup for its 14th edition. With a mix of both local and international artists, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of diversity, innovation, and inclusivity from December 1st to 3rd at the expansive 25-acre Teerth Fields in Pune.

British pop sensation M.I.A. headlines the festival, making her debut appearance in India. Renowned not just for her music but also her contributions to visual arts, filmmaking, and design, M.I.A. has collaborated with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell, and Lil Wayne. Fans can expect to groove to her chart-toppers including “Bad Girls,” “Borders,” “XXXO,” and “Paper Planes.”

In an unprecedented move, the festival organizers revealed the line-up through an interactive gaming experience. Developed exclusively for Bacardí NH7 Weekender by Nodwin Gaming, this innovative approach allowed fans to virtually explore a replica of the festival site, immersing themselves in the festival’s ambiance while discovering the lineup.

The lineup boasts a diverse array of talent, including several artists performing in India for the first time. This includes the 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, as well as Antwerp’s metal sensation BEAR, rising R&B star Priya Ragu and Afro pioneer Romare, who will be presenting his highly anticipated live set.

New York-based duo MEMBA, known for their 2019 hit “For Aisha” from the Bollywood movie The Sky is Pink is set to make their mark in India as is hip-hop duo Cartel Madras. Electronic music producer Jai Wolf is gearing up for a triumphant return to India following a global tour that took him across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Other international acts include French reggae duo Jahneration and Copenhagen-based global bass sensation Alo Wala, who has previously collaborated with Nucleya.

The festival will continue its tradition of promoting local talent with indie music trailblazers such as MadStarBase, The Lightyears Explode, Dorwin John, The Fanculos, Corner Café Chronicles, Second Sight, Chirag Todi, Katoptris, Raj, Shia X Zero Chill, and tricksingh on the lineup.

Bacardí NH7 Weekender will also pay homage to Indian music icons, Euphoria, as they celebrate 25 years of their career. Their retrospective set, Euphoria 25, will feature their greatest hits. On a different note, hip-hop DJ and turntablist Spindoctor will present Hip-Hop Sheher, a celebration of hip-hop culture and its five elements: MC-ing, DJ-ing, breaking, graffiti, and beatboxing.

The festival will take inclusivity to the next level by providing safety tents, gender-neutral washrooms, and efficient frisking lines, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festival to the fullest.

The festival’s design language, including graphics and stages, will be envisioned by the renowned female artist and muralist Osheen Siva. Her work explores themes of femininity, sexuality, and gender, and how these intersect with technology and society.

This year promises a unique blend of music, adventure, gastronomy, art, culture, and gaming. The three-day festival welcomes attendees of all ages to immerse themselves in the quintessential Bacardí NH7 Weekender vibe.

Click here to buy tickets.