7 Indian Artists to Watch in 2026

Indian music is undergoing a bold reinvention, breaking free from traditional playback and embracing a fiercely independent spirit.

In 2026, a new generation of artists is bridging regional heritage with global sounds, redefining what Desi music can be.

From the hills of Meghalaya to the vibrant shores of Goa, musicians are experimenting across genres, blending raw authenticity with polished production.

Listeners can expect everything from Himalayan rap that hits with grit to Gen-Z pop anthems made for streaming playlists.

Here are seven Indian artists to watch in 2026.

Reble

Hailing from Meghalaya, Reble is one of the most formidable voices emerging from the North-East.

Her artistry is defined by a dynamic vocal range and an unapologetic sound that fuses classic hip-hop with the chaotic energy of punk and alt-rap.

Her 2025 release, ‘New Riot’, served as a definitive statement of her “rage-meets-artistry” aesthetic, supported by a visually striking music video.

Reble’s crossover into the mainstream is already well underway; she contributed high-octane rap verses to the soundtrack of Dhurandhar, specifically on the track ‘Naal Nachna’.

Her versatility also extends to regional cinema, evidenced by her edgy contributions to the Malayalam film Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra.

Tsumyoki

Nathan Joseph Mendes, the Goan visionary known as Tsumyoki, remains a primary architect of India’s evolving English hip-hop scene.

At 24, the multi-instrumentalist has already secured an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Indian Local Act, a testament to his international appeal.

His repertoire spans piano, guitar, and ukulele, allowing him to navigate effortlessly between trap, R&B, and experimental electronica.

In 2025, his collaboration with Gini on ‘Don’t Even Text’ became a sleek melodic hit, further proving his ability to craft radio-ready hooks.

Tsumyoki also lent his sharp lyrical prowess to Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, cementing his status as a go-to talent for high-energy, contemporary compositions.

W.i.S.H

As India’s first major girl group, W.i.S.H – consisting of Ri, Sim, Zo, and Suchi – has successfully filled a long-standing void in the Indian pop market.

Since their March 2024 debut with Lazeez’, the group has maintained a relentless creative pace, releasing a string of hits including ‘Galti’, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Drameboss’.

Things escalated in August 2025 when they released their debut album Sweetburn.

Their viral cover of ‘Desi Girl’ showcased their ability to modernise classics with synchronised choreography and infectious energy.

Beyond the charts, they secured a massive platform by performing ‘Whatever It Takes’, the official song for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Their seamless fusion of Hindi and English lyrics makes them a leading force in the global export of Indian pop.

Akasa

Mumbai-based Akasa has evolved from a standout contestant on India’s Raw Star to a versatile powerhouse in both Bollywood and independent pop.

A trained classical singer, she is responsible for massive hits like ‘Kheech Meri Photo’ and the record-breaking ‘Thug Ranjha’.

Her global credentials include a notable collaboration with Ricky Martin on ‘Vente Pa Ca’.

In 2025, Akasa dominated the film music space with tracks such as ‘Panwadi’ from Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and ‘Sikandar Naache’ for the film Sikandar.

Her live presence remains equally potent, highlighted by her headline performance at Eternia 2025 at AIIMS Guwahati, proving her enduring relevance in the touring circuit.

Hansika Pareek

Rajasthan’s Hansika Pareek is carving a niche through a sophisticated blend of Hindustani classical foundations and modern pop sensibilities.

Her music is often characterised by haunting, poetic melodies that offer a sense of late-night intimacy and emotional vulnerability.

This relatability has seen her work go viral across social platforms, resonating with listeners seeking depth in their playlists.

Her 2025 contributions were particularly notable, providing vocals for ‘Tum Ho Toh’ in the romantic hit Saiyaara.

Hansika’s appearance on Salim-Sulaiman’s Bhoomi 2025 project with ‘Yaad Tumari Aayi’ showcased her ability to bring a soft, soulful touch to large-scale collaborative productions.

Kushagra Thakur

Dehradun-based Kushagra Thakur saw a meteoric rise in 2025 following the success of his breakout single ‘Finding Her’, which secured a position in the top 20 of Spotify’s Global Viral Songs chart.

He followed this with ‘Better With You’, a track that highlighted a more heartfelt, romantic vocal style.

To capitalise on his digital momentum, Kushagra embarked on the Finding Her – India Tour 2025, performing across five cities and demonstrating his range in pop-rock and ballads.

His transition to the festival circuit has been seamless, with high-profile appearances at Zomaland and an international showcase in New Zealand.

Kushagra Thakur’s ability to draw massive crowds suggests he is a major mainstay in the making.

Gini

Gini, another standout talent from Dehradun, is quietly revolutionising Indian indie-pop with her self-taught musicality and profound lyrical depth.

Recognised early as a Spotify India RADAR artist at 19, her 2025 tracks ‘Aashiyan’ and ‘Naadaani’ solidified her reputation for crafting melancholic yet resonant music.

After a successful UK tour in the summer of 2025 and a standout set at YouTube Fanfest India, her momentum is peaking.

Her collaboration with Tsumyoki on ‘Don’t Even Text’ was a Gen-Z staple, and with a confirmed debut at Lollapalooza India 2026, Gini is positioned as a primary candidate for international crossover success this year.

These Indian artists are set to shape 2026 and they’re impossible to ignore.

From Reble’s raw punk-rap energy to Hansika Pareek’s inventive classical-pop blends, each one is pushing boundaries and telling stories that feel personal, bold, and unfiltered.

The industry is shedding old formulas, embracing diversity, and celebrating experimentation.

As these musicians rise on digital charts and global stages, one thing is clear: they’re defining the future of Desi music.