ZEE5 Global, India’s largest homegrown video streaming platform, today announced ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground, a groundbreaking reality series that shines a spotlight on the state’s rapidly growing hip-hop movement. More than just a music competition, ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground is a cultural platform dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of Malayalam hip-hop artists while amplifying authentic voices from the streets of Kerala. Adding further momentum to the platform, original music from the show will be released by Zee Music Company. Scheduled to take place on June 30 in Kochi, the auditions will offer emerging rappers and hip-hop artists a chance to earn a spot among the show’s top 10 contestants and showcase their talent on a state-wide platform.
At a time when Malayalam hip-hop is witnessing unprecedented growth and mainstream recognition, ZEE 5 Indie Kerala Underground brings together 10 emerging artists on a journey of self-expression, storytelling, and artistic evolution. The groundbreaking reality series set to spotlight Kerala’s thriving hip-hop movement has officially announced open auditions for aspiring artists across the state. Through a series of high-intensity challenges, performances, and eliminations, contestants will battle for the title of Kerala’s ultimate underground champion.
The show will feature some of the most influential names in Kerala’s hip-hop scene as mentors and groomers, including Dabzee, MC Couper, Imbachi, and Parimal Shais, who will guide contestants through every stage of the competition. Hosted by Aathira Rajeev, the series combines music, mentorship, and deeply personal narratives to create a unique and immersive viewing experience.
What sets ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Rooted in Kerala’s local culture, language, and lived experiences, the series goes beyond performances to explore the personal journeys, struggles, aspirations, and communities that shape each artist’s voice. Filmed across real locations in Kerala and presented with a gritty, documentary-style visual approach, the show captures the energy and spirit of a movement that is redefining youth culture in the state.
Speaking about the show, Lloyd Xavier, ZEE5 Business Head - Tamil & Malayalam, said, “Kerala Underground represents the coming together of music, culture, and storytelling in a way that has never been seen before in Malayalam entertainment. As regional music movements continue to gain momentum, we wanted to create a platform that celebrates authentic talent and gives emerging artists the opportunity to be heard by audiences across the country. This show is not just about finding the next hip-hop star; it is about showcasing a generation and a culture that deserves the spotlight.”
Speaking about being part of the show, Dabzee said, “Malayalam hip-hop has grown from an underground movement into a powerful cultural force. Kerala Underground gives artists a platform to tell their stories without filters and stay true to who they are. I’m excited to mentor the next generation of voices who will shape the future of the scene.”
MC Couper said, “Hip-hop is a locally-rooted art form. It is about owning your identity. Kerala Underground gives artists a platform to tell their stories without filters and stay true to who they are. I’m excited to look at the next generation here for a banger.”
Parimal Shais expressed his excitement, saying, “Hip-hop didn’t arrive in South India as something new or foreign. It found a home here because we’ve always been storytellers. Every region has its own rhythm, its own slang, its own way of seeing the world. The most exciting thing about hip-hop is that it gives those differences a stage.”
Imbachi added, “Raw, fearless & authentic. The Kerala Underground is built in cyphers, studios, bedrooms, and on the streets. Sounds that can’t be manufactured with ‘formulas’. Born from the freedom and hunger of wanting to express your story to the world, it’s a force that can’t be ignored. Repping your culture, identity, and reality; every artist is pushing boundaries of what once used to be called ‘niche’. It’s not an emerging scene anymore; we’ve arrived. The Kerala Underground is creating history and is here to stay.”
Blending fierce competition with authentic storytelling, ZEE 5 Indie Kerala Underground promises to deliver a raw, honest, and culture-first experience that celebrates the rise of Malayalam hip-hop like never before.
ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground will stream exclusively on Zee 5, with the show’s music to be released under the Zee Music Company label.
