Fresh off the announcement of moving to a brand-new location — Pune, this time — Bacardi NH7 Weekender 2023 unveiled its much-awaited first-phase line-up, consisting of an electrifying ensemble of 28+ local and international artistes. The organisers have confirmed British pop icon M.I.A. as a headliner of this year’s edition. This will also be an India debut for the artiste, who is joining a global line-up on stage from December 1-3 at the expansive 25-acre Teerth Fields in Pune.
Born in London and with Sri Lankan Tamil roots, the multi-award-winning artiste, who has collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell and Lil Wayne, will be in the country for the first time and said “it’s about time” that happened. “I’m super happy to bring the beats and the bass, and introduce MIA to a new generation of Indians. Finally connecting with the Indian part of my sound,” said the rapper and record producer.
Alongside M.I.A., the phase one line-up has also includes other global names in alternative music, including a few India debutants and south Asian artistes such as Brooklyn-based duo MEMBA, who came together in India years ago; rising R&B sensation and Swiss singer-songwriter Priya Ragu; 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective; Antwerp-based metal upstarts BEAR; and Afro pioneer Romare. French reggae duo Jahneration, Copenhagen-based bass star Alo Wala and Certified Gold electronic music producer Jai Wolf also join the diverse list.
Inclusivity and nostalgia
In an industry first, ‘India’s happiest multi-genre music festival’ will feature a dedicated all-female-led line-up on the mainstage on Day Two. The performers across two stages will include Alo Wala, Priya Ragu, Cartel Madras, BeBhumika, Lavi, Aarifah, Mary Ann Alexander, in addition to the headliner.
Celebrating women artists beyond the stage, the festival’s design language across graphics and stages will be conceptualised by well-known female artist and muralist Osheen Siva. Furthermore, the organisers will set up safety tents, gender-neutral washrooms, and frisking lines to ensure inclusivity beyond the stage.
Homegrown artistes on the line-up include MadStarBase, The Lightyears Explode, Dorwin John, The Fanculos, Corner Café Chronicles, Second Sight, Chirag Todi, Katoptris, Raj, Shia X Zero Chill, tricksingh, Spindoctor, with more acts to be announced shortly as part of the second phase line-up.
Bringing some major nostalgia factor, the 1990’s Indie pop rock band Euphoria, will be debuting their retrospective set ‘Euphoria 25’, featuring some of the band’s biggest hits over the last two decades.
Upping the game
In another first for music festivals in India, NH7 used an interactive gaming experience for announcements, from the sale of tickets in September to the phase-one line-up. The game allows you to take a virtual tour of the festival, exploring the look and feel and playing a mini-game to reveal the names of artistes.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, which designed the virtual experience and is also one of the organisers of NH7 Weekender, said the response had been outstanding for the OG tickets and they were thrilled to announce the “eclectic” line-up majorly features first-time BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender performers.
India’s longest running festival wants to take it a few notches higher this year with “newer acts, newer genres, newer themes, and newer ideologies,” he added.
The 14th edition of the much-loved festival is back with a feisty spirit this year, with a milestone record for the pre-sale of tickets — sold out within the first 48 minutes of going live. Returning under the theme of #ItsAMood, the festival plans to amplify conversations around sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity besides gender equality, all of which have, for years, formed the core fabric of the happiest music festival.