Burna Boy has performed in stadiums around the world, but he has never stepped on an Indian stage—until now. On December 12, the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist will co-headline the opening night of Rolling Loud India 2026, marking his long-awaited debut in the country. He shares top billing with Metro Boomin, who is also performing in India for the first time.
Burna Boy’s arrival gives the festival a powerful Afrobeats presence on a lineup built largely around hip-hop. His Grammy win for Twice as Tall cemented his global status, and Rolling Loud India is positioning him as one of its marquee attractions.
A Night of Firsts
Metro Boomin joins Burna Boy as another major debut. The producer behind hits for Future, 21 Savage, Drake, Travis Scott and The Weeknd brings one of the most influential catalogs in modern rap to the festival.
They’re not alone. Big Sean, a Grammy-nominated rapper, is also set for his first Indian performance. British rap icon Skepta will appear for what organizers describe as his “first and only” India show—timed perfectly with the release of his new album The Fork and Knife on November 6, 2026. With his last solo album dropping in 2019, Indian fans may be among the first to hear his new material live.
Karan Aujla Returns as Day Two Headliner
The second day belongs to Punjabi superstar Karan Aujla, who returns after headlining the inaugural 2025 edition. His performance last year made history as the first time a Punjabi artist topped the Rolling Loud India bill, and organizers clearly saw the impact.
More than 10 of the festival’s 30 acts have Indian roots, reflecting a deliberate push to highlight regional talent. The lineup includes:
- Wazir Patar (Punjabi rap)
- Seedhe Maut (Delhi hip-hop duo)
- Dhanda Nyoliwala (Haryanvi rap)
- Paal Dabba (Tamil rap)
- MC Gawthi (Marathi rap)
- Snappy Kaal (Gujarati rap)
Rolling Loud CEO Matt Zingler said the blend of international and Indian artists is intentional: “If the music connects, they show up for it… the goal was to make it feel like one festival, not two different worlds.”
Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of partner platform District, added that the team studied cyphers and smaller shows to understand the local scene, noting that fans embraced both global stars and homegrown acts during the festival’s first year.
A Deep and Diverse Lineup
Day one expands with GoldLink, slayr, ApolloRed1, SoSoCamo, Steel Banglez and Jorjiana.
Day two adds ScHoolboy Q, BabyChiefDoIt, Raja Kumari and NAVZ 47.
Vichaar, Robb Bank$, DJ Five Venoms, The Spindoctor and 2slimey round out the full roster.
Tickets and Venue Details
Tickets are available through the District app, with a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option allowing fans to pay 50% upfront and the remainder by November 20, 2026. Refunds are available for eligible cancellations made by December 1.
One major detail remains under wraps: the venue. Organizers say the location will be announced soon through Rolling Loud India and District’s official channels.
Rolling Loud India 2026 is shaping up to be one of the festival’s most globally diverse editions yet—bringing Afrobeats, American rap, British grime, and India’s regional hip-hop scenes together on one massive stage.