What comes first to mind when someone talks about Northeast Indian music? Surely most of us haven’t heard much. Barely anyone can tell which music is trending or popular there.

But if I ask you, have you heard the “Run Down the City” track from the movie Dhurandhar? I’m pretty sure a lot of you are very well aware and have listened to that music, not once or twice, but on loop.

And little did you all know that the particular “Run Down” track you are listening to on loop came from a North Eastern singer. Yes, you read it right. The title track  “Run Down” is taken from the original track named “New Riot,” which is sung by Daiaphi Lamare, better known as Reble, from West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. 

Northeast Indian music has always had its own pulse beating within it, unique, unafraid, and full of life. The music here is not imitative, following the latest trends; instead, it is born out of experience, fusing the sounds of their homeland, the hills, the rivers, and the roads, with the beats of today. Whether it is the energetic hip-hop of Meghalaya, the heart-wrenching indie rock of Nagaland, or the folk-crafted melodies of Assam and Manipur, every song is imbued with a sense of place and belonging.

The music is truthful to itself. It is experimental, it breaks boundaries by speaking multiple languages, it combines tradition with modernity, but it never forgets where it comes from. This uniqueness makes the music of Northeast India special, not a  copycat, but a voice that is uniquely its own, full of life, fearless, and unforgettable

The Reble

Daiaphi Lamare, aka Reble, who is currently trending for her song ‘Run Down’ from ‘Dhurandhar’, has managed to create a distinct sound that is a mix of technicality and unbridled emotion. Her style is hip-hop-based, but she also has a unique edge that comes from quick rhymes, fast flow, and a confident delivery that is instantly noticeable.

One of the most recognisable aspects of her sound is her technical skill. She frequently incorporates tempo shifts into her rhymes, moving from aggressive, fast-paced verses to more controlled, measured sections. This makes her songs interesting and unpredictable.

In terms of lyrical content, Daiaphi Lamare’s rhymes tend to be about self-expression, ambition, and perseverance. She delivers her rhymes with a clear, intense voice that is always the focal point of her songs. Instead of emphasizing melody, her songs tend to focus on rhythm and punch, letting her rhymes land with impact.

Yelhomie (Music with a message)

Yelhomie, a rising star from Manipuri, has made a strong impact on the music industry not only in his home state but across the country. His album in 2025, “We Outside,” was released when his state of Manipur was going through intense violence, power outages, and internet shutdowns. Yet, this song was able to reach the masses, spreading a very important message and acting as a voice for many during those trying times.

His stage name, Yelhomie, is taken from the word “Yelhoumee,” which means indigenous people, and this identity is very much a part of his music and message. With songs such as “Run It Up” and resistance songs such as “We Outside,” he combines English with the local language to express the realities, frustrations, and hopes of the youth of Manipur and the Northeast

Yelhomie’s songs are not only about rhythm and lyrics; they are also about purpose. Whether it is songs like “Is India My Home?” that question injustice and inequality in a very political manner or songs such as “2 Sons of the East” that celebrate heritage and togetherness, Yelhomie always puts culture, truth, and community at the forefront of his music.

Taba Chake

Taba Chake is known for his calming melodies, where intricate fingerstyle guitar work is paired with profoundly emotional lyrics. Coming from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, his sound has gradually evolved into one of the most cherished voices in the Indian indie scene. He seamlessly weaves together folk roots with indie and modern elements, singing in various languages such as Nyishi, Hindi, Assamese, and English.

His 2019 album “Bombay Dreams” resonated deeply with his audience for its emotional authenticity and subtle simplicity. For Taba, songwriting is not just a skill but also a tool for spreading positivity, which he often derives from the landscapes, tales, and memories of his native land.

Apart from his independent albums, he has also worked on film albums, which further expands his creative horizon. In recognition of his impact on the culture scene, he was appointed as the Honorary Brand Ambassador for Art & Culture by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Moko Koza

Moko Koza is recognised within the hip-hop community for being more about the lyrics, rhythm, and message, rather than the melody. His work emphasises the importance of having sharp lyrics, rhythm, and messages such as identity, ambition, roots, hustle, and development. Rather than using melodic hooks, he uses the beat, clarity in storytelling, and assertive rap delivery.

Songs like ‘Naga Manu’, ‘Boy From The Hills’, and ‘One Day’, showcase this aspect of his work, where rhythm, lyrics, and meaning are more important than melody. Most of his songs are a mix of rap and hip-hop music, where flow and lyrics are given utmost importance. But ‘One Day‘ is different in the sense that it is a composition where the rhythm is catchy, and it is easy to listen to and remember. His fans love the authenticity of his lyrics and the fact that he maintains his roots through his hip-hop songs.

Anoushka Maskey

Anoushka Maskey’s songs are soft and honest, and they sound very personal. Her songs are all about self-expression, quiet emotions, overthinking, love, and the emotions that you don’t always speak about. Songs like ‘September Embers’, ‘Eventide’, and ‘Love Is Love ’ from the popular Netflix series ‘Mismatched’,  demonstrate how she writes songs about real emotions in a very simple yet profound way. Her version of ‘Nothing New’, which is a recent hit, also goes with her theme since it deals with vulnerability and growing up. 

The lyrics of the song talk about the fear of growing up and feeling like you won’t stay special forever. They show the insecurity of wondering, “What happens when I’m not new anymore?” It speaks about self-doubt, about how fast people move on, and the quiet anxiety of not being enough as time passes. There’s a feeling of vulnerability in lines that question whether someone will still be valued when the excitement fades. 

She doesn’t overstate her emotions; she just keeps them real, calm, and down-to-earth, and that’s why people respond to her songs so much. Her songs envelop you in a warm hug that is both soft and strong, with elements of folk, indie, and pop. Listening to her is like entering a memory that you never knew you had, a place where your emotions are free, and every word is a personal experience that you can relate to.

The music of Northeast India is like wild grass, unbridled, exuberant, and irrepressible. It is full of tales, feelings, and traditions that are at once very local and yet very universal. Whether it is the soulful folk songs or the pulsating hip-hop beats, the musicians of Northeast India create with a sense of integrity and passion, allowing their roots and experiences to infuse every note. The music is fresh, unapologetic, and full of life, and it proves that Northeast music is not just something that happens on the fringes but something that has to be heard and remembered.