Sahota Vision talk Punjabi Fusion Music, Sibling Bond & Identity

Sahota Vision are carving out a distinct space in contemporary music through a blend of Punjabi fusion, R&B and hip-hop.

New Zealand-based sibling duo Jacob and Christy create music shaped by both a Kiwi upbringing and deep-rooted Punjabi heritage, moving fluidly between cultures without losing authenticity.

Built on family connection and shared creative instinct, their work carries an energy that feels both personal and globally aware.

As they continue to develop their artistry, they are also part of a wider wave of South Asian musicians redefining what New Zealand’s music landscape sounds like.

In an interview with DESIblitz, Jacob and Christy reflect on their journey, influences and the ideas shaping their evolving sound.

Growing Up between Two Cultures

Born and raised in New Zealand with family roots in India, Sahota Vision describe a life shaped by constant cultural movement.

They still travel back regularly, something that remains deeply meaningful in their creative process and personal identity.

Jacob said: “So, we were born here in Auckland, New Zealand, and our family is back from India. It is so much fun when we go back to India.

“We’re super super blessed to be making music out there.”

That sense of belonging to two places feeds directly into their artistry. Even while grounded in New Zealand’s diverse music scene, they consistently look for ways to bring their heritage into their work.

Jacob explained that this isn’t limited to language, but extends into sound design and visual storytelling.

“Being Punjabi is so awesome because when we make our music, we definitely try to keep our culture involved in terms of production, scenery, videos, even sound.”

Christy added: “In our everyday life, it’s hard not to be with our roots.”

That cultural blending has become one of the defining features of Sahota Vision’s identity, with both acknowledging that their music naturally carries elements of Punjabi, Kiwi and wider global influences without forcing a separation between them.

Music Influences

Sahota Vision’s sound sits across Punjabi fusion, R&B and hip-hop, shaped by a wide listening palette that crosses languages and genres.

Christy explained: “We listen to a lot of artists ranging from different cultures, different languages, and we love our Punjabi side.”

This stretches across emerging South Asian talent and international acts, reflecting a creative mindset built on curiosity rather than categorisation.

The duo stated: “We love everything.”

For them, Sahota Vision is not defined by complexity or seriousness, but by energy and enjoyment.

Christy said:

“If I had to describe Sahota Vision in one sentence, I’d cut it down to one word and say that we’re fun.”

Their music often carries that tone, balancing lyrical themes with accessible production.

Even when exploring social ideas such as unity and connection, they aim for a sound that remains engaging and easy to connect with rather than overly abstract or heavy-handed.

Finding their Direction

The pair’s journey into music developed gradually, shaped by early passion, studio experiences and a series of chance moments that led them to collaborate more seriously.

Christy explained that music has always been part of her life, something she carried from childhood and eventually brought Jacob into.

A pivotal moment came during a studio session, where an external collaborator encouraged Jacob to step into the booth, helping formalise what had previously been an informal dynamic.

Jacob said: “So, we were recording a song in a studio once. Christy was up on the mic and then Vince was like to me jump on and yeah, the rest is just history.”

That shared direction eventually became the foundation of Sahota Vision.

Their dynamic as siblings plays a significant role in their creative process. The relationship brings openness and honesty, which they see as both an advantage and a challenge when working closely together.

Jacob said: “I think the biggest advantage working with my sister is that we can be so open to each other and because we’re like best friends, we’re very, very very just straight honest.

Christy added that this transparency can sometimes create tension, but ultimately strengthens their work because it pushes both of them to refine ideas without hesitation.

That balance between critique and trust has become central to how they operate creatively.

They also acknowledge differences in experience, particularly in vocal development, but frame it as part of a broader learning curve rather than a limitation.

Jacob said: “I’m a little bit newer to the side of like vocals. However, Christy’s been singing since she was a baby.

“So yeah, it does weigh up in terms of advantages and disadvantages, but we just love it together.”

Pushing New Zealand’s Sound Forward

A key part of Sahota Vision’s identity lies in how they use language across their music.

Punjabi is not treated as a requirement in every track, but as a tool they return to when it feels authentic to the sound and emotion they want to express.

As they’ve grown older, incorporating Punjabi into their lyrics has become more meaningful, rather than something they feel pressured to do.

Jacob said: “For me personally, using Punjabi in my raps and my lyrics now feels more fulfilling and more connected towards who I am as a person.”

The duo are also aware of external expectations around language choice, particularly within fusion music spaces.

While they recognise that audiences sometimes expect a certain linguistic balance, they remain focused on what feels natural to their creative direction.

Jacob said:

“We have experienced the pressure of choosing one language in terms of music.”

Despite that, they avoid framing their work around restriction.

Christy said: “We can’t stray away from the fact that we go back to the Indian culture, whether that be with sounds such as instrumentation.”

Their upcoming releases reflect this range.

‘Don’t Leave Me’ blends Afro, Punjabi and English influences, leaning into an upbeat, accessible style that reflects their broader musical identity.

Meanwhile, ‘Personal’ is a stripped-back, reflective contrast.

Jacob said: “‘Personal’ is more kickback, chill.”

Christy added: “‘Don’t Leave Me’ is just upbeat and fun.”

They also see New Zealand Music Month as a significant moment for visibility, particularly for South Asian and Punjabi artists gaining more recognition within the wider Kiwi industry.

Jacob explained: “I think NZ Music Month is awesome because well, we think NZ Music Month should be every month.”

At the same time, they believe greater cultural representation in music benefits the industry as a whole, encouraging artists from different backgrounds to express identity more openly within their work.

Jacob added: “More people that are of different ethnicities should express themselves and be true to who they are and bring culture into their music.

“And then not only will that help the music in New Zealand but it will also help everyone else get out of their comfort zone and grow.”

Sahota Vision’s story is rooted in balance, between cultures, between languages, and between personal identity and wider community influence.

Their approach to music avoids fixed boundaries, instead drawing strength from flexibility and lived experience.

As they prepare to release new tracks and continue building their catalogue, their focus remains firmly on creating work that feels honest to who they are rather than what is expected of them.

With growing recognition in New Zealand’s music scene and increasing support from diverse audiences, the duo are steadily shaping a sound that reflects both where they come from and where they are heading.

Watch the Full Interview