iWorld
NEXA Music Season 3: Celebrating the power of Indie music in India
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) announced the launch of NEXA Music Season 3, a transformative platform celebrating the vibrant and diverse indie (independent) music landscape in India.
Music is a cornerstone of the NEXA philosophy, embodying the brand’s belief in creating experiences that inspire. NEXA Music stands on the ‘Create. Inspire’ brand philosophy, caters to the connected, demanding, and evolved urban consumer.
This season, NEXA Music forays into regional music in addition to English music, offering participating artists a unique opportunity to showcase their talent to a global audience alongside superstars such as King, Raja Kumari and Arjun Kanungo under the guidance of A.R. Rahman.
Announcing the launch of NEXA Music Season 3, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd senior executive officer, marketing & sales Partho Banerjee said, “NEXA Music is about breaking boundaries and creating extraordinary experiences. With Season 3, we are embracing India’s rich and diverse musical landscape. With NEXA Music, our goal is to discover and nurture artists from every corner of the country, bringing their unique voices to the forefront. Under the spotlight of globally renowned musicians like Mr. A.R. Rahman, these artists will create original compositions that resonate globally. We anticipate an overwhelming response to NEXA Music Season 3 as we continue to offer the NEXA global experience.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, A.R. Rahman commented, “India is a treasure trove of diverse musical talent. NEXA Music Season 3, in partnership with Qyuki, is an extraordinary initiative to unearth and celebrate both English and regional music from across the country. The last two seasons have given several artists access to global platforms for displaying their talent. I am delighted to be part of this journey and look forward to discovering exceptional talent that will bring the richness of Indian English and regional music to the world stage.”
NEXA Music was created to promote and cultivate original indie music talent in India. Seasons 1 and 2 each saw the emergence of 24 standout musicians mentored by global music icon A.R. Rahman supported by Clinton Cerejo. The winners of each season saw their efforts culminating in the release of original tracks and music videos, amassing millions of views on YouTube and establishing a strong digital presence on leading audio streaming platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
Building on the robust foundation of the last two seasons, NEXA Music Season 3 will embrace the rich tapestry of India’s diverse musical landscape. Besides English music, it will also spotlight artists who sing in regional languages, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create and share their unique musical expressions on a global platform.
Emerging artists from anywhere in India can submit their tracks on www.nexamusic.com to participate in NEXA Music Season 3. The jury comprising A.R. Rahman, NEXA, and Qyuki will shortlist contestants from all entries received. These contestants will be showcased at the ‘NEXA Music Lab’, which identifies and focuses a spotlight on their talent.
NEXA Music Season 3 will continue to be anchored by its two foundational pillars: NEXA Music Lounge and NEXA Music Lab.
● NEXA Music Lounge: The Lounge will showcase headline performances from top indie artists and winners of previous seasons, who will contribute their original compositions to elevate the NEXA Music platform. Season 3 will feature indie legends including Raja Kumari, King, and Arjun Kanungo in addition to the curator, A. R. Rahman.
● NEXA Music Lab: The NEXA Music Lab is where selected participants will receive guidance from international music publishers alongside global music icon A.R. Rahman. Emerging artists will have a platform to showcase their original work, allowing for complete creative expression. This ensures their original compositions and music videos reflect their true artistic vision.
NEXA Music Season 3 promises to be a landmark album, celebrating the depth and diversity of India’s musical heritage. By embracing talent across the country, it will continue to redefine the musical landscape, creating a vibrant and inclusive platform for artists to shine.
Artists can click on www.nexamusic.com to participate and submit their entries.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
