Mahindra Blues 2025 To Feature Iconic Artists

For over 12 editions, the Mahindra Blues Festival has been echoing the sound of revolution from fields of the Mississippi Delta and  bars to India. Mahindra has always been at the apex of cultural conversations, and a harbinger of new voices that have painted a renewed picture of a reformed India. Continuing with the legacy, Mahindra is all set for the 13th Edition of Asia’s biggest celebration of Blues on February 8th and 9th, 2025, this year’s line-up is diverse, celebrating the youth, hope, and ethos of perseverance that the genre stands for at the iconic Mehboob Studios.

The last edition witnessed a historic moment of an all-woman lineup with talents like Sheryl Youngblood, Vanessa Collier, Tipriti Kharbangar, and others serenading the audience with a blend of blues, soul, and R&B. The 13th edition also boasts a roster with a rich repertoire and accolades to their name. The celebration of resilience and rich blues heritage will continue with young and upcoming artists taking the baton forward, keeping the spirit of the genre alive.

One of the noteworthy artists in the line-up is Taj Farrant. The 15-year-old artist’s  seems seasoned and mature, and his debut album, ‘Chapter One,’ is the testimony. After performing on global stages like Lollapalooza, Taj is bringing the magic of electrified blues, which is reminiscent of young Joe Bonamassa at the Soulstrat Stagevinay on the first day of the festival.

Aussie duo The Teskey Brothers will also regale the audience with their heartfelt renditions of blues, rock, and folk at the Polka Dot Parlour. Josh Teskey is a guitar whizz who strums his way into fans’ hearts with silky guitar work, while his sibling Sam Teskey’s sensational voice has helped them transcend creative boundaries with genre-defying .

On the second day, Robert Randolph, one of the greatest guitarists of our times, will strut the tunes of gospel and blues. Known as an ace pedal steel guitarist, Randolph carved his niche with fiery instrumental work and sentimental , mesmerising the fans with his artistry. At the onset of his career, he inspired legends like Derek Trucks, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana due to sacred steel, a legacy gospel tradition.

Ruthie Foster, one of the purest and most powerful vocalists and guitarists, will be seen belting a blend of genres like blues, folk, and R&B. A Grammy-nominated artist has created some great musical pieces, integrating many  forms and contemporising them. So, the fans are in for a delightful performance of bluesy riffs over soulful vocals, serenading the Soulstrat Stage.

Representing the sound of the heartland, the festival will witness the allure of one of the important voices in the Indian blues scene, Kanchan Daniel. For the 12th edition, she joined the talented Tipriti Kharbangar, and the two jointly delivered a fiery performance, paying homage to the blues heritage of Shillong, Kharbangar’s hometown. Kanchan will be returning for the 13th Edition, and this time with a full-fledged set, displaying her powerful vocal ability and striking a chord with the audience.

Another artist, who is an eclectic mix of both Indian and Western sensibilities, Megan Murray, will debut on the Mahindra Blues Festival stage. Megan will take the audience on a sonic journey with her splendid stage presence, cutting through various genres. Rolling Stone India has already predicted that the  and singer “will be a major performer on the world scene.” The versatile artist is known for her ability to sing in various octaves, bringing the  down with her versatility.

Like the past edition, The Beatz Crew, a musical group from Kanakia International , along with the Nanhi Kali Choir, will enchant the audience with their impactful performance. The choir includes girls from one of the philanthropic initiatives by the Mahindra Group called the Nanhi Kali Project, a schooling program for underprivileged girls. It is a part of ‘Blues in ,’ which aims to inculcate musical skills and creativity in young minds, carrying the blues legacy to posterity.

Mahindra Group has always cherished and nurtured young talents through platforms like the Blues Festival. Apart from the widely recognised talents from all around the world, the  Hunt competition brings fresh talents from the country into the spotlight, pushing the talents for the world to see. It heralds the evolving nature of the cultural fabric of the world as well as our heartland.

Talking about this diverse line-up, Jay Shah, Vice President-Cultural Outreach at the Mahindra Group, said, “The fact that India has embraced this culturally rich genre that emerged from the rural communities of the US underscores the transcendental nature of  and blues in particular. For over 13 editions, the Mahindra Blues Festival has brought some of the most celebrated artists to India, continuing the Mahindra Group’s commitment to fostering a rich culture in the country. This year’s line-up comprises some of the veterans, new talents on the block, and talents emerging from the heartland, and we are elated to continue this resilient legacy of blues.”

VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, said, “Mahindra Group has propelled some of the most remarkable cultural movements in the country, setting the stage for the emergence of a new era of . To be a part of this legacy has been an honour for Hyperlink Solutions, which considers such platforms significant to nurture indigenous talents and infuse a renewed energy in . Mahindra Blues Festival, for over 12 editions, has brought globally loved artists and the genre for the people in the heartland to experience the transformative power of it. After creating a herstory last year, we have an array of young talents like Taj Farrant and veterans in the game like Ruthie Foster during the 13th edition for an out-of-the-body musical extravaganza.”

India is all set to celebrate the resilience and power that the genre represents, honouring the legacies of some of the greats and witnessing the future of dynamic young blood taking forward these legacies. The Blues Festival began as a marketing tactic to introduce farm equipment to US farmers. Today, since its inception in 2011, it has become a melting pot of cultural reset, breathing new life into a genre that has given voice to millions. Mark your calendars for the weekend of love to revel in the magic of blues on the 8th and 9th of February 2025.