Let loose and have fun at this multi-interest music festival in Mahalaxmi

(From left) Rappers Yashraj and Prabh Deep. Pic courtesy/Instagram

This weekend, the halls of Famous Studios at Mahalaxmi will witness a different vibe pass through its gates. Hip-hop has always been the unofficial rhythm to the city's staccato beats, and the studio will host Simba Uproar, one of the largest festivals of the culture on city shores with artistes such as Prabh Deep, Dropped Out, Sugahunny and Chaar Diwari showing off their skills on stage.

The event marks the second edition of the festival. This time, the festival has expanded to include venues across six major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Guwahati and the tri-city region of Punjab. The Mumbai leg on Saturday, will feature a host of experiences that provide a holistic view of the urban street culture that is hip hop. But hip-hop is not limited to rap. It includes dance, art and various forms of expression. For instance, the event will witness visual artist Chaitanya Dixit present; he will also rev up drift vehicles live at the venue. Throw in a curated beer selection and diverse food and dance showcases, and you have a festival for the young hip-hop generation to savour.

However, these are add-ons to the main event; a line-up that includes Prabh Deep, Hanumankind, Chaar Diwari, Seedhemaut, with SickFlip and Yashraj bringing in the Mumbai vibes. The line-up has been curated keeping in mind the pan-Indian appeal of the artistes, Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, who conceptualised the festival, says, adding, "The event is also an attempt to unify and bring together hip-hop artistes from all across the country. We have Hanumankind from Bengaluru. Though he is based in Bengaluru, he has a stronger following in Mumbai. Then there is Seedhemaut from Delhi, Prabh Deep and Yashraj from Mumbai. We wanted to give a blend of everything to experience for the fans."

For Yashraj, the event is a chance to let loose and have fun. "I am still working on the set and trying to keep it as tight as I can," he shares on the phone while taking a break from his rehearsals. The Ladke convict rapper is excited about it though, he remarks, "I will have Hanumankind and Chaar Diwari on my set. It [the festival] is also with the people that are the best of the best in the game. Being on the same stage is a testament. So, I am excited." The performer reveals that his recent releases of Ladke convict and Masroor will be part of his set. "Of course, I have been waiting to perform them live, especially Masroor which has only been done once at a performance," he points out. Bhatia, COO and co-founder of Simba beer, shares, "We are keen to support a range of underground and creative artistes - people who are shaping a new sub-culture and making a mark by shaking up society."

With a massive cross-country tour this year, he notes that it's just the beginning. "We hope to expand and add more cities to our itinerary. That will be one of the ways to increase our reach and grow," Bhatia concludes.

On: October 21; 7.30 pm
At: Famous Studios, Dr E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi West.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 1,499 onwards