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This week Indian-American multi-hyphenate KOAD returns with his latest single “jaanu,” an infectious banger whose cleverness is just as undeniable as it is understated. Though it’s been a minute since we last covered the exciting then-rising star back in 2021, four years later KOAD’s unmistakable energy has only multiplied as he’s put in his 10,000 hours honing his craft and finding his sound. Produced by LVUSM, it’s hard not to immediately get lost in the glossy synths and thundering bass signals of “jaanu”, both of which serves as the foundation for KOAD to experiment with different elements of deconstructed pop, electronic and hip-hip music. 

“I made ‘jaanu’ after I had a college show and the students wanted me to party with them,” KOAD states. “I was studying the music they were playing and wanted to make something that would fit right into that rotation…the song is a celebration of Black and Brown beauty. I just wanted something fun for us to dance and drink to.”

The release of “jaanu” is also accompanied by its own visual, self-written and directed by KOAD featuring Gush Singh as its lead producer. Over a monochromatic green backdrop, KOAD is joined by his cabal of stylish friends including Kara Canella, Askarri, and Capjay - as well as humanoid figures dancing alongside them. Everything in the video is fluid and effortlessly cool, while emphasising “jaanu”’s central message of exposing prejudice and cultural exploitation in the media. Between his devotion to culture and justice, it’s no wonder why KOAD has spent the better part of the past few years consistently experiencing one viral moment after another.

Though the time to be an early fan may have passed long ago, there’s never been a better time to be a fan of KOAD. If you somehow aren’t hip yet, I’ll give you a pass for now, but be sure to take a deep dive before it’s too late.

Check out “jaanu” by KOAD below: