YG, M.I.A., and Monuments to Headline Bacardí NH7 Weekender 2023

Bacardí NH7 Weekender, one of India’s longest-running multi-genre music festivals, is set to return with a from December 1st to 3rd, 2023, at Pune’s Teerth Fields. The 14th edition of the event includes a lineup of over 45 artists, both homegrown and international. From metal and rock to pop, hip-hop, electronic, funk, and Punjabi, this year’s festival spans a diverse range of musical genres.

Headlining Acts

The 2023 edition will be graced by three major headliners, each bringing a unique flavor to the festival. American rap superstar and actor YG, known for projecting the voice of the streets into the mainstream, is set to electrify the stage. British pop icon M.I.A., with her impressive track record featuring the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, is sure to bring the beats and the bass to an enthusiastic Indian audience. British progressive metal band Monuments, who’ve left an indelible mark on the world of extreme metal, are set to deliver an unforgettable performance, thanks to their loyal Indian following.

Debut Performances and Rising Stars

Festival-goers can look forward to debut performances by some exciting international acts. Australia-based instrumental progressive rock artist I Built The Sky, New York’s electronic duo MEMBA, and American progressive metal band Arch Echo will make their first-ever festival appearances in India. Meanwhile, recent Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective will grace the stage, along with Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu and Antwerp’s metal upstarts BEAR.

Local Talent

The festival celebrates plenty from the local scene, featuring performances by Indian pop mainstay Lisa Mishra, New Delhi-based singer-songwriter Hanita Bhambri, and Bollywood composers Sunny M.R. and Oaff x Savera, who will premiere new music. The iconic 90s Indie-rock band Euphoria will mark their 25th-anniversary celebration at the festival. Additionally, Punjabi pop legend Daler Mehndi and new age rap sensation MC Stan are set to make their highly anticipated debuts with energetic sets.

International Artists and Genre Diversity

The festival doesn’t stop at headliners and debuts; it boasts an impressive international lineup. French reggae duo Jahneration, Canadian hip-hop duo Cartel Madras, and Copenhagen-based global bass star Alo Wala will grace the stage. The hip-hop and pop curation will feature a bespoke Gully Gang showcase, along with electrifying performances by contemporary Punjabi artist tricksingh and more.

For rock and metal enthusiasts, the festival offers a rampaging range to mosh to, including New Delhi-based rock band Komodo Jane, Mumbai’s punk rock band The Lightyears Explode, and Chandigarh’s Naalayak.

Electronic music lovers will not be disappointed, with artists like music producer Jai Wolf, New Delhi duo MadStarBase, and newcomer Katoptris offering a diverse range of electronic music genres, including chill-wave, downtempo, progressive house, techno, disco, and trance.

Inclusivity and Sustainability

This year’s festival theme is #ItsAMood, emphasizing inclusivity. The organizers have not only unveiled a female-led main stage lineup for Day 2 but also onboarded female muralist Osheen Siva to promote inclusivity through festival design. Additionally, the festival is committed to adopting eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability.

Music lovers across India can prepare for a memorable experience. With an array of international headliners, debut performances, and a diverse lineup spanning various genres, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of music and culture like no other. As festival co-founder Akshat Rathee stated, “There is something for everyone at the happiest music festival.”

See the full lineup below: