Saloni Goes for Queen Status in ‘Rani’ Video with Farooq Got Audio

Desi diaspora artists are claiming more space, as singer-songwriter Saloni’s new song “Rani” with producer Farooq Got Audio shows us.

Saloni weaves between Hindi and English bars about being a “Brown skin queen, lemme wear my crown/I play no games when the saree’s out” over a dark trap beat that samples seemingly Carnatic guitar styles. In the video shot by filmmaker Akash in Milton Keynes, there’s plenty of regal elements as Saloni aptly dons headgear and sits upon a majestic throne, while other scenes play up familiar hip-hop visual tropes including cars racing down on a clear road and more.

The singer says about the track in a statement, “It’s not the usual type of track I’d do but when I first heard the beat, I knew it was a crazy one and working with the one and only Farooq Got Audio to bring this to life has been amazing. The meaning behind this track truly came from the stage I feel I’m at in life where I’m taking over the reigns of my career and striving for what I love to do. Just as the title of the track, this song brings bad b Queen vibes so I hope you all feel the energy too!”

Over on Instagram, Saloni summed up the new song as one of empowerment. “It took me years to see myself as deserving of everything I’m working towards. I pray that this song helps you accept that you’re worthy of your crown too,” she says.

“Rani” follows Saloni’s previous release, “Chal Soniya” with Punjabi artist H-Dhami and producer Mazza on the Track. Previously, Farooq has been known for “Welcome To The Party,” while Saloni’s breakout hit is the Telugu song “Nee Gundellounna” with Bilal Shahid in 2023.

Watch the video for “Rani” below.