Masked man Baghdadi’s latest track ‘Jailan’ is a complete banger

One of the most unique figures from the Indian indie scene, Baghdadi is a name synonymous with folk, funk and freedom. The innovative artist now joins hands with II Music for his latest song ‘Jailan’.

Jailan’ is a gripping showpiece of Baghdadi’s distinct brand of music. A snazzy tune with a refreshingly rustic soul, it takes the best of Punjabi folk and gives it a super cool hip-hop twist. While the music drops quite a few funky beats, the lyrics are as raw, rooted and Punjabi as they can get. This tune will appeal to the Gen Z crowd as well as adventurous connoisseurs of Indian folk.

Written, composed and performed to stylish aplomb by Baghdadi, what makes this track stand out is the seamless medley of old school Punjabi spice and new age contemporary sizzle. ‘Jailan’ also sees talented music producer Trip Beats weave his signature fusion of bass heavy modern beats and classical folk elements.

A musician, pioneer and maverick rolled into one; Baghdadi redefines the phrase ‘out of the box’. A rising star who hails from the heart of Punjab, Baghdadi is a one-of-his-kind ‘masked artist’ who lets his music do the talking. He may not have revealed his face, but his work always wins countless hearts all over the nation.

Jailan’ also boasts of a swanky music video that is as cool and unique as the song itself. Featuring Baghdadi in all his masked glory, the Harriex and KaranDope directorial drips swagger in each and every frame. The entire look of the video exudes a hyper real and cyberpunk aesthetic. Christened as the Leo BRTHR’s, directors Harriex and KaranDope’s penchant for vivid frames is on its full display in the video. The music video has been produced under the banner of Karan Productions, a leading production house based in Chandigarh.

Talking about his latest piece of work, Baghdadi said, “The idea behind Jailan was to create a song that has the peppy thrill of folk and the modern funk of hip-hop. After that, we added many more layers to create a nice web of genres. Jailan’s music video is as freaky cool as the song, and I am really looking forward to the reactions to my latest work”.

Sharing his thoughts on the release, Rohit Sobti, Co-Founder, II Music, said, “Baghdadi is one of those rare artists who cherishes his folk roots, but also embraces contemporary genres with equal love. His work is a rocking mix of modern and classic. Jailan is crafted from a similar mold. Punjabi folk is its core, and hip-hop is the secret sauce that makes it a groovy delight. This track can surely thump its way into playlists”.

Baghdadi has always kept it fun, fresh and original with his music. With ‘Jailan’, he is once again at his entertaining best!

The song ‘Jailan’ is available on all leading music platforms. The music video is now live on YouTube.

OKIE Sustains Impressive Surge in Indian Consumer Electronics Market, Aims for 100 Crore Sales and 100,000 Unit Sales Target

OKIE, India’s leading homegrown home entertainment brand, has reaffirmed its position as a prominent player in the ever-evolving consumer electronics landscape. With a strong offline presence of 2500 retailers across 45 locations in 8 states, Its flagship Smart LED TVs sold almost 30000  units across seven states by the end of the fiscal year 2022-2023, with over 25,000 units sold during the pandemic itself. And in the last three years, the brand has expanded extensively and now aims for INR 100 crore in sales with a target of selling 100,000 units in CY 2023.

In India, most consumers still prioritise affordability in their electronics purchases. Despite this high price sensitivity, the consumer electronics market is on track to reach INR 12,898.89 Bn by 2027. From the very beginning, OKIE has embraced and understood this reality and leveraged it to its advantage by focusing on competitively priced, top-quality products. This commitment is evident in its flagship Smart LED TVs, available in sizes from 24″ to 86″. These cutting-edge TVs feature Google TV, WebOS Powered by LG, and Cloud OS, catering to a wide range of preferences. There is also OKIE’s upcoming Sports Series Smart TVs, with prices starting at just Rs. 9,990/- for the 32-inch model, Rs. 17,999/- for the 40-inch model, and Rs. 19,999/- for the 43-inch model, offering advanced features such as full HD display, 4K Ultra HD resolution, in-built voice control, and a powerful 10+10 watt sound output.

With a diverse range of such Smart TVs and other home entertainment electronic products, OKIE has firmly established itself in the Western and Southern regions of India, majorly in pivotal states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Planning to enter in North India States Like Punjab, Haryana, J&K.

“OKIE’s growth thrives on unwavering dedication to innovation and quality, essential to our mission of offering exceptional value. Despite challenges, we deliver innovative, high-quality products at fair prices. Our versatile marketing approach merges traditional and digital channels with state-of-the-art tech, enabling us to expand beyond urban areas into tier 2 and 3 markets aggressively. We believe in making the latest tech accessible across diverse geographies, even in smaller cities, swiftly and affordably. Our distinct products and services set us apart,” said Jitin Masand, Founder and Managing Director of OKIE.

“We have an upcoming line of investment in expansion, a significant portion of which will be used to expand our capacity from the current 5000 TVs per month to 15,000 TVs. We will also extend our reach by establishing a presence in 10,000 stores across 100 locations by year-end,” added Masand.

 

Believe and Jjust Music Join Forces to Revolutionize Bollywood OST Market

Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies, and Jjust Music, an acclaimed new-age music label celebrated for its string of Indie music hits, have proudly announced a momentous partnership that will redefine the landscape of the Bollywood Original Soundtrack (OST) market by bringing fresh, innovative sounds and unmatched global reach to the industry.

 

This landmark collaboration marks a significant milestone for Jjust Music, as the label expands its reach into the flourishing OST segment with the support of Believe’s vast domain expertise. With a diverse roster and an impressive track record of chart-topping releases, including “Prada” featuring Alia Bhatt (61+ million views on YouTube), “Choodiyan” featuring Dytto (55+ million views on YouTube), and “Mashooka” featuring Rakul Preet Singh (37 million views on YouTube), the association is set to revolutionize the Bollywood OST Market.

 

Commenting on the partnership, Shyam Chhabria, CEO, Jjust Group said, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Believe. This collaboration provides us with exciting new opportunities to reach a global audience with our cutting-edge content. With Believe’s unparalleled platform and expertise, we are confident that our music will resonate with fans far and wide. Together, we envision a harmonious fusion of innovation and creativity, breaking barriers and redefining the very essence of Bollywood OSTs.

As we embark on this exhilarating venture, we are eager to bring forth projects featuring some of Bollywood’s leading artists and personalities, showcasing the richness and diversity of our musical tapestry. We are certain that this partnership will not only drive our label’s growth but also elevate the cultural significance of the music we produce.”

 

“There is more to music than just sound. It is a language that binds people from all walks of life and transcends any barriers. It has the capacity to bring out strong feelings, unleash creativity, and illuminate our hearts. The music industry has a significant impact on society and culture. Our lives are enriched by it, and it helps us make enduring memories. I’m passionate about music and Jjust Group because of this. Moreover, Believe and Jjust Music’s collaboration is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the power of music to bring people together. With this partnership, we are poised to redefine the Bollywood OST market and create a symphony of innovative and captivating content that resonates with audiences worldwide. Together, we embark on an exhilarating journey to shape cultures and inspire hearts through the magic of music.”, said Jjust Group’s Founder, Jackky Bhagnani.”

 

Believe’s tech-powered innovative platform has been instrumental in driving success for artists and labels of all sizes in the ever-evolving music industry. By partnering with Jjust Music, Believe is solidifying its position in the Bollywood OST market while continuing to bolster its leadership role in the Indian music industry.

 

Vinay Guwalani, Director Label and Artist Solutions, Believe India, commented: “We are delighted to partner with a dynamic new age label such as Jjust Music and look forward to bringing their music to fans globally. With this partnership we are poised to release projects featuring some leading Bollywood artists and personalities, and utilize our domain expertise to propel their work to fans and audiences.”

 

Vivek Raina, Managing Director of Believe India, added: “We believe that our robust platform, coupled with their innovative and cutting-edge content, will result in an extraordinary product that will be adored by music enthusiasts across the nation.”

 

With music enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the outcome of this collaboration, the partnership between Believe and Jjust Music is poised to usher in a new era of creativity and innovation in the digital music landscape. This alliance not only promises remarkable growth opportunities for both entities but also ensures a wave of captivating releases and unforgettable collaborations for fans around the globe.

OKIE To Launch 32-inch Sports Series Smart TVs in South India as Demand Surges Amidst Upcoming 2023 Sports Season

  • Immersive Viewing Experience with 32”, 40”, and 43” Screens
  • Full HD display and 4K Ultra HD resolution for crystal-clear images and vivid colours
  • In-built voice control for seamless navigation
  • 20-watt powerful sound output and built-in soundbars for immersive audio
  • Boom sound technology brings the action to life, making viewers feel like they are right in the middle of the scene
  • Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, USB and Bluetooth
  • Brightness level of 280 NITS for a clear picture even in daylight conditions 
  • Exceptional 18-month service warranty, ensuring that a purchase is protected for an extended period of time
  • With a wide network of service centres conveniently spread across various locations in Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu, OKIE ensures that assistance is never far away

OKIE, India’s leading home entertainment brand, is gearing up to launch its flagship 32-inch Sports Series Smart TVs in South India. Timed perfectly with the upcoming sports season, featuring events such as the much anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 and the Asia Cup 2023, this launch is a significant step forward for OKIE. With a strong foothold in states like Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, OKIE is now setting its sights on reaching even more homes in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This expansion is fueled by the increasing demand for high-quality electronics at affordable prices, underscoring OKIE’s dedication to bringing advanced technology to every part of the country.

 

With a deep understanding that India is a country passionate about sports, OKIE has designed these TVs to provide an exceptional viewing experience for sports enthusiasts and entertainment lovers alike. The OKIE Sports Series Smart TVs, starting at just Rs. 8,990/- for the 32-inch model, Rs. 17,999/- for the 40-inch model, and Rs. 19,999/- for the 43-inch model, offer a range of advanced features such as full HD display, 4K Ultra HD resolution, in-built voice control, and 10+10 watt powerful sound output. With immersive soundbars, surround sound, and multiple connectivity options, these TVs bring every moment of the game to life. The TVs also boast a brightness level of 280 NITS, ensuring clear picture quality even in bright daylight conditions.

 

Jitin Masand, Founder and Managing Director of OKIE, said, “In recent years, largely thanks to the stellar performance of our sportspersons from across India, including the south, in the international arena, there has been an increased interest in watching a variety of sports at home. With homegrown league tournaments for different sports such as Kabaddi, Football, IPL and other international sporting events for both men and women, non-cricketing events have also witnessed a surge in viewership. We have seen dramatic growth in demand for quality entertainment systems, especially from Tier 2 and 3 cities that are traditionally price-sensitive markets. This is why we have launched the OKIE Sports Series Smart TVs in South India with some of the best features that Smart TVs have to offer, at truly affordable prices.”

 

OKIE’s innovative line of Sport Series Smart TVs, priced under INR 9k, is geared to meet the growing demand for sports content, especially with the upcoming ICC World Cup in India. Positioned strategically, OKIE aims to tap into the thriving sports entertainment market, offering households an accessible way to enjoy live sports. By providing top-quality products at an affordable price, OKIE is poised to revolutionise the realm of sports entertainment, making it more accessible to all.

 

The burgeoning smart TV market, estimated at nearly INR 80,000 crores, is forecasted to witness a robust growth rate of around 16.7% over the next five years, signifying a thriving landscape. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, OKIE has emerged triumphant, selling close to 1 lakh TV units across seven states during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This resounding success attests to the swift adoption of smart TVs and the escalating demand for advanced features among discerning consumers.

 

The introduction of OKIE’s Sports Series Smart TVs marks a pivotal moment in the home entertainment sector, promising an immersive, cost-effective, and unparalleled viewing adventure for patrons across India. With a wide network of distributors across the Southern region, OKIE has been able to expand its reach and cater to the growing demand for its products from 1 state to 8 states, from 300 retailers to 2500 retailers, from 8 locations to 45 locations.

 

As the demand for smart TVs continues to grow in the South India market, OKIE is poised to capitalise on this trend by providing innovative and high-quality products at fair prices. The brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction and product innovation is what makes it a trusted name in the smart TV segment.

Jjust Music launches its first film song Jalsa 2.0, starring Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra

Jjust Music, founded by the Bollywood Luminary and Producer, Jackky Bhagnani, is poised to set the stage ablaze with its inaugural original soundtrack (OST) for the much-anticipated cinematic masterpiece, “Mission Raniganj- The Great Bharat Rescue starring Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra.

 

The buzz and excitement surrounding ‘Mission Raniganj’ have been steadily building up, and the release of ‘Jalsa 2.0’ adds a whole new layer of celebration to the film’s anticipation.

 

True to its title, ‘Jalsa 2.0’ is an electrifying dance number that features the beloved Kesari couple, Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra, sharing the screen once again. Their infectious chemistry and boundless energy elevate the song to new heights, making it a strong contender for the title of the Bhangra hit of the year.

 

In this spirited composition featuring the stellar talents of Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra, the Jalsa 2.0 song whisks us away to a grand Punjabi wedding, set against the dynamic backdrop of the 1980s. With its irresistible rhythms, resplendent costumes, and spirited dancers, this song promises to be an anthem that will illuminate both screens and dance floors alike. Crafted by the dynamic composer duo, Prem & Hardeep, and brought to life by the melodious voice of Satindar Sartaaj, the Jalsa 2.0 song has made a grand debut on the 16th September 2023.

 

The music for ‘Jalsa 2.0’ has been composed by the talented duo Prem and Hardeep. The lyrics are penned by none other than the soulful Satinder Sartaaj, who also lends his powerful vocals to the track. With such a stellar combination of music and talent, ‘Jalsa 2.0’ promises to be a musical extravaganza that will have audiences tapping their feet and dancing along.

 

Singer Satindar Sartaaj added, “The Jalsa 2.0 Song beautifully encapsulates the essence of celebration and the infectious spirit of a Punjabi wedding. It’s a vibrant anthem that will set the dance floors on fire!” raves Satindar Sartaaj, the acclaimed vocalist.”

 

Ganesh Acharya, celebrated Choreograpgher added, “Punjabi gaana with Punjabi Munda Akshay Kumar is like “JALSA LAGAYA”.

 

“The Jalsa 2.0 song represents a significant moment in our journey as we step into the world of Indian Cinema with great enthusiasm once again. This is for the first time that Jjust Music is venturing into this grand endeavour. It’s a joyful celebration of music, culture, and the magic of movies,” says Jackky Bhagnani, the Founder of Jjust Music.

 

“Jalsa 2.0 is a very special song for all of us. It’s the first song from Mission Raniganj which carries along a lot of fu, and Ganesh Master’s choreography will instantly make you get up and dance. Associating with Jjust Music for this one has been absolutely amazing. Akshay sir and Parineeti coming together, is total Dhamaal.” says Deepshikha Deshmukh, Producer, Pooja entertainment.

 

Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh and Ajay Kapoor, ‘Mission Raniganj’ is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and music to be released on Jjust Music.

 

Stream Jalsa 2.0 now on all major streaming platforms and immerse yourself in the ultimate entertainment experience! Don’t miss out.

The ultimate celebration of India’s rock music scene: Mahindra Independence Rock unveils its line-up of 10 diverse rock acts for its 29th edition

Following last year’s triumphant return, where Mahindra Independence Rock (I-Rock) reclaimed its rich legacy, India’s legendary rock festival is gearing up to ignite the stage (and mosh pits) once more at Mumbai’s Bayview Lawns this year.  This iconic festival’s return for the 28th edition in 2022 after a nine year hiatus with Mahindra as the Title Partner reaffirmed its enduring influence on Indian rock music. And now, in its highly-anticipated 29th edition, Mahindra I-Rock promises to deliver a phenomenal celebration of the genre, marked by the revelation of a spectacular line-up featuring 10 exceptionally talented bands.

 

This year, Mahindra I-Rock is diving deep into India’s subcultures to span multiple rock genres and languages from all corners of the country. From the southernmost tip of the Deccan to the northern foothills of the snow-capped Himalayas, and even stretching beyond India’s borders to Kathmandu in Nepal – Mahindra I-Rock is bringing sounds that authentically represent the flavour of each region. Expect North-east’s melodic rock and hair metal, West’s death metal and rock infused with reggae, and the South’s rock music layered with traditional Carnatic. With a lineup that includes both seasoned veterans and emerging artists, this year’s musical roster truly encapsulates the inclusive and egalitarian spirit of rock.

 

From the North-east and beyond the Borders of India

Known for their electrifying performances onstage, Girish & the Chronicles, will bring a refreshing mix of power ballads, glam metal, hard rock, and classic ‘80s metal sounds from the valleys of Sikkim to the coasts of Mumbai. Meanwhile, Meghalaya’s Mama Tips & The Mama’s Boys promises a high-energy set of jamming with various genres, including R&B and soul. Not only that, but the festival is going beyond Indian borders with Kathmandu-based new-age metal band Underside, who will take the stage to deliver their own blend of retro rock and old-school thrash in a modern way.

 

A Melting Pot of Diverse Rock Subgenres

Debuting on the Mahindra I-Rock stage for an intense live act with its unique rampaging music adapted to various styles of death metal and grindcore is Gutslit, alongside Swarathma – one of India’s biggest folk-rock bands known for their blend of classical music with western blues rock sounds anchored in socio-political lyrics. T.ill APES, which includes Hanumankind, will bring their unique neo-soul sound with grooves borrowed from rock. Alternative rock band Tough on Tobacco (fronted by Sid Coutto) will join the line-up for a genre-bending rock-reggae experience, while Carnatic progressive rock band Agam will bring traditional ragas with a dash of rock and metal influences.

 

Returning to the Alma Mater

Parikrama will return to the Mahindra I-Rock stage again after last year for an encore high-energy performance alongside Bhayanak Maut. Both bands were discovered on the I-Rock stage as emerging talent and are returning to perform as successful rock bands.

 

Discovering Tomorrow’s Rockstars

Talent discovery has always been at the heart of the festival’s history, where emerging rock talents from every corner of India are subjected to the ultimate test on its iconic stage. Over the years, Mahindra I-Rock has uncovered a wealth of gifted bands, including Demonic Resurrection, Motherjane, Agnee and numerous others. In keeping with this cherished tradition, Mahindra I-Rock will continue to nurture tomorrow’s headliners through a country-wide band hunt, where the winning band will get the chance to kickstart this year’s edition as the opening act. For further details and aspiring rock stars looking to seek their moment, tune in to Mahindra Independence Rock’s Instagram handle.

 

Mr Farhad Wadia, Founder of Independence Rocksaid, “I am excited to see this dream return for its 29th edition this November. When we started I-Rock, we did not have the faintest idea that it would endure and live on as a rock movement reverberating through the years. And I am even happier to see it evolve in the right direction and include diverse rock genres into its soundscape this year, all while keeping its previous traditions of talent discovery alive. The newest edition promises to be bigger and better in every aspect, offering rock music aficionados a befittingly loud and uninhibited celebration of the genre.”

 

Mr Jay Shah, Vice President – Cultural Outreach, Mahindra Group, mentioned, “Mahindra has and will continue to nurture artistic expression through its many festivals. This year’s festival is excellently curated with popular bands and also the ones that are new on the scene. We look forward to celebrating their unique stories which will be appreciated both by the novice and the seasoned”.

 

Mr VG Jairam – Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutionsadded, “Hyperlink is committed to building and powering immersive experiences that shape rich narratives and diverse stories to bridge people and culture. And Mahindra I-Rock was and still is the holy grail of true rock-and-roll experience. Moreover, with such a varied line-up of bands from across the country, I am certain that this year’s edition will connect diverse audiences with stories and cultures that resonate with them, making for a grand celebration of the genre as a whole.”

 

Slapping bass solos, biting guitars, and energetic foot-tapping and headbanging define Mahindra Independence Rock, which, in turn, embodies the rock genre as a whole in India. The festival will be a two-day iconic rock affair unlike any other on 4th and 5th November 2023. Tickets are now live! Log on to PayTM Insider and book them now!