Sep 04: Expanding its regional music footprint, Malayalam Zee 5 has joined forces with Zee Music Company for the launch of the landmark Malayalam hip-hop reality series, Zee 5 Indie Kerala Underground. Now streaming exclusively on Malayalam Zee 5, the show brings Kerala’s vibrant street culture, regional slang, and new-age soundscape to global audiences. Under this strategic collaboration, all original tracks, cyphers, and standalone singles produced throughout the series will be released and distributed worldwide under the Zee Music Company label.
The partnership bridges ground-level street expression with major-label distribution, offering 10 emerging Malayalam rap talents an unprecedented launchpad. Mentored by prominent hip-hop figures, Dabzee, MC Couper, Imbachi, and Parimal Shais, the series captures the raw energy of Kerala’s evolving youth identity, hosted by Aathira Rajeev.
Sujal Parekh, CBO, Zee Music Company said,
“Hip-hop is no longer a subculture in South India; it is the definitive voice of the new generation. Our collaboration with Malayalam Zee 5 for Indie Kerala Underground allows us to capture this raw talent at its source and scale it globally. Malayalam rap carries a distinct rhythmic fluidity and narrative depth. By releasing this original soundtrack under Zee Music Company, we aim to ensure these regional stories, local slang, and authentic beats reach avid music listeners far beyond traditional boundaries.”
Highlighting the cultural synergy of the release, Lloyd C Xavier, Business Head – Tamil, Telugu & Malayalam, added,
“Bringing Zee Music Company on board elevates this show significantly. Kerala Underground is about giving a powerful platform to artists who speak fearlessly in their native tongue. Partnering with Zee Music Company ensures that the incredible original tracks created on this show don’t just stay within the episodes they become part of the mainstream music ecosystem, giving these young artists the audience and reach they truly deserve.”
Zee 5 Indie Kerala Underground is now streaming exclusively on Malayalam Zee 5. The show’s music is available on Zee Music Company YouTube channel and all digital streaming platforms.