Amusic: Finding Our Way Back Home

In an increasingly globalised world, music remains one of the most powerful tools for connecting us to our roots. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures, allowing us to explore our identities, share our stories, and celebrate our heritage. Artists like Hanumankind, Lous and the Yakuza, Dameer, Mitty Zasia, and Fujii Kaze are not just making music—they’re creating bridges between past and present, tradition and innovation, local and global. Through their unique sounds and compelling stories, these artists are redefining what it means to be a global musician, all while staying deeply connected to their cultural roots.

Hanumankind: Blending Southern Hip-Hop with Indian Heritage

Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat, is an artist whose music is deeply rooted in the duality of his experiences growing up between Houston, Texas, and Kerala, India. His breakout single "Big Dawgs" is a testament to his ability to blend the rhythms of Southern hip-hop with the intricate beats of Indian music, creating a sound that is both innovative and authentic. The video for "Big Dawgs," set in Kerala, encapsulates this blend, featuring the traditional "well of death" carnival attraction alongside the raw energy of rap.

Hanumankind’s music is a journey through identity, where the beats of Houston meet the traditions of India. By staying true to both of his cultural influences, he has created a space in the global music scene that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in his heritage.

Lous and the Yakuza: A Multicultural Muse Connecting the Dots

Marie-Pierra Kakoma, known as Lous and the Yakuza, is a Belgian-Congolese artist whose music is a mosaic of her multicultural upbringing. Born in Congo and raised in Belgium and Rwanda, Lous’s music draws from the rich traditions of Congolese rumba, the rhythm of trap beats, and the emotive power of R&B. Her debut single "Dilemme" reflects her dual identity, weaving together French and English lyrics with a sound that is both contemporary and steeped in her roots.

Lous’s visual artistry, including the symbolic ‘Y’ painted on her forehead, further emphasizes her connection to her heritage. Her debut album, Gore, produced by El Guincho, is a celebration of this multiculturalism, blending genres and languages in a way that feels both universal and intimately personal. Through her music, Lous connects listeners to the rich cultural traditions that have shaped her, while also pushing the boundaries of what modern music can be.

Dameer: Psychedelic Pop with Bangladeshi Roots

Dameer, a young musician from Dhaka, Bangladesh, is redefining psychedelic pop by infusing it with the sounds and stories of his homeland. Growing up in a musically rich environment, Dameer was influenced by the Western genres of nu-metal, dubstep, and classic rock, and the traditional sounds of Bangladesh. His music, particularly his upcoming single "Sun", reflects this blend, creating a sound that is both rooted in his cultural heritage and expansive in its global appeal.

Dameer’s journey from Dhaka to the global stage is a story of connecting the dots between different musical traditions. By incorporating traditional Bangladeshi instruments and melodies into his music, he is not only preserving his cultural roots but also sharing them with a wider audience. His music is a testament to the power of cultural fusion and the universal language of music.

Mitty Zasia: Indonesian Pop Bridging the Traditional and the Contemporary

Mitty Zasia, hailing from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is an artist who has masterfully blended contemporary pop with traditional Indonesian sounds. Her music, characterized by its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, speaks to the experiences of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Songs like "Jaga Mata Jaga Hati" and "Saat Kau Tak Disini" have become anthems for a new generation of listeners, combining modern pop sensibilities with the rich musical traditions of Indonesia.

Mitty’s debut album "27" is a reflection of her journey as an artist, bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary. By staying connected to her Indonesian roots while exploring new musical territories, Mitty Zasia is creating a sound that resonates both locally and globally. Her music is a celebration of cultural heritage and a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s roots.

Fujii Kaze: Japan’s Soulful Connection to Tradition

Fujii Kaze, a Japanese singer-songwriter from Okayama, is an artist who effortlessly blends the soulful traditions of Japanese music with contemporary sounds. His debut single "Nan-Nan" and subsequent album HELP EVER HURT NEVER showcase his ability to fuse jazz, classical, and pop influences into a cohesive sound that is both innovative and deeply connected to his cultural heritage.

Fujii Kaze’s music is a journey through the emotional landscapes of love and life, set against the backdrop of Japanese musical traditions. His ability to connect these traditions with modern influences has made him one of the most promising talents in Japan’s music scene, with a growing international following. Fujii Kaze’s music is not just a reflection of his roots, it is a bridge that connects the past with the present, bringing the rich history of Japanese music to a global audience.

The Universal Language of Music

Hanumankind, Lous and the Yakuza, Dameer, Mitty Zasia, and Fujii Kaze are more than just artists; they are cultural storytellers, each using music to connect with their roots while reaching out to a global audience. Their work reminds us that music is a universal language, one that has the power to transcend borders and connect us to the deeper parts of ourselves. As these artists continue to rise, they are not only shaping the future of music but also reminding us of the importance of staying connected to our cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

If you want to discover more artists and find other gems from golden decades long ago, check out @a1234music on Instagram.

References:

Nippon.com (2024) Fujii Kaze: The biggest Japanese musical phenomenon since Utada Hikaru? Available at: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g00982/ (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

s.h.i. (2022) The enigma of Fujii Kaze’s demeanor and sound. Tokion. Available at: https://tokion.jp/en/2022/08/10/fujii-kaze-love-all-serve-all/ (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

Fanggaraksa, F. (2023). New Album on the Corner - 10 October 2023. Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@fanggaraksa/new-album-on-the-corner-10-october-2023-60a13f0d1049 (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

Viberate (n.d.) Mitty Zasia. Available at: https://www.viberate.com/artist/mitty-zasia/ (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

Rolling Stone (2023) Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’ video and the rise of Indian hip-hop. Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/hanumankind-big-dawgs-video-indian-hip-hop-1235072670/ (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

Onassis Foundation, 2024. Negros Tou Moria. [online] Available at: https://www.onassis.org/people/negros-tou-moria [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Ayezi, 2023. Negros Tou Morria aka. Black Morris INTERVIEW about his custom iced out mala and "THRASOS" the album. [online] Available at: https://www.ayezi.gr/negros-tou-morria-aka-black-morris-interview-about-his-custom-iced-out-mala-and-thrasos-the-album?srsltid=AfmBOopyw6lxcoujf4__vurS3RCin0wKTNkyB6KBOxzGAA5Q-woSopit [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Neos Kosmos, 2015. Listening and learning: Greek rapper Negros Tou Moria. [online] Available at: https://neoskosmos.com/en/2015/10/30/features/listening-and-learning-greek-rapper-negros-tou-moria/ [Accessed 14 August 2024].

The Guardian, 2023. Lous and the Yakuza: Village Underground, London – review. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/feb/04/lous-and-the-yakuza-village-underground-london-review-iota [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Roc Nation, 2024. Lous and the Yakuza. [online] Available at: https://www.rocnation.com/music/lous-and-the-yakuza/ [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Dazed Digital, 2020. Lous and the Yakuza: Interview. [online] Available at: https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/48882/1/lous-and-the-yakuza-interview [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Belgium Booms, 2024. Lous and the Yakuza. [online] Available at: https://www.belgiumbooms.be/artists/lousandtheyakuza [Accessed 14 August 2024].

Majestic Journal, 2020. Introducing: Dameer. [online] Available at: https://www.majesticjournal.com/introducing-dameer [Accessed 14 August 2024].