ZEE5 Global Announces ‘ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground,’ a Groundbreaking Reality Series Celebrating Kerala’s Thriving Hip-Hop Culture
Featuring celebrated hip-hop artists Dabzee, MC Couper, Imbachi, and Parimal Shais as mentors and groomers, with music set to be released under Zee Music Company, ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground will stream exclusively on ZEE5 Global.
Global, June 25, 2026: ZEE5 Global, India’s largest homegrown video streaming platform, today announced ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground, a groundbreaking reality series that shines a spotlight on Kerala’s rapidly growing hip-hop movement. More than just a music competition, the series serves as 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, 2026, in Kochi, the auditions will offer emerging rappers and hip-hop artists an opportunity to earn a place 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, ZEE5 Indie Kerala Underground brings together 10 emerging artists on a journey of self-expression, storytelling, and artistic evolution. The reality series, designed 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 compete for the title of Kerala’s ultimate underground champion.
The show features 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, Business Head – Tamil & Malayalam, ZEE5, 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 see the next generation of artists and discover the next big 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, and 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, and authentic—the Kerala Underground is built in cyphers, studios, bedrooms, and on the streets. These are sounds that cannot be manufactured with formulas. Born from the freedom and hunger to express your story to the world, it is a force that cannot be ignored. By representing culture, identity, and reality, every artist is pushing the boundaries of what was once considered niche. This is no longer an emerging scene—we have arrived. The Kerala Underground is creating history and is here to stay.”
Blending fierce competition with authentic storytelling, ZEE5 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 ZEE5 Global, with the show’s music to be released under the Zee Music Company label.
