Damini Chauhan aka Krameri, Dhanji Kumar
They both hail from brotherly cities, but their musical sensibilities are at opposite ends of the spectrum. We are talking about Krameri aka Damini Chauhan, a Hindustani classical singer from Vadodara who met famous rapper Dhanji Kumar of Ahmedabad during a collaboration arranged by Converse India.
Off their latest effort, Connect with the Unexpected, they brought the duo together for “Express Ways,” a song that almost immediately made its way onto our playlists for its genre-defying soundscape.
Dhanji adds an edge with his rapping talents, while Krameri evokes a sense of old-school nostalgia with her singing skills, and The X Factor adds a video interview in which you can see their unique yet oddly similar worlds come together Together. Pure happiness!
Indulge spoke to the duo about the collaboration, the inspiration behind the title, the future of Indian rap, and more!
Tell us a little bit about this collaboration and how similar your musical sensibilities are?
Krameri: This collaboration has been a fascinating journey because our musical moods intersected at different points. While Dhanji’s roots lie in rap and hip-hop, my background in Hindustani classical music has shaped my approach to pop and R&B genres. Despite these differences, we found common ground in our shared culture, language, and hometown that allowed us to blend our unique styles seamlessly. By sharing playlists and exchanging musical ideas, we found common ground and seamlessly integrated our unique musical learning into a harmonious collaboration.
What musical elements did you two incorporate and what genre does the song primarily fall into?
Dhanji: We worked closely on production, fine-tuning the beats and structure to create a cohesive track. Krameri’s initial beats provided a solid foundation, and together we created a space for my rap verses to shine. Ultimately, the instrument becomes the catalyst for harmonizing our musicality and creating a cohesive track.
Krameri: We infused the track with a funk element, incorporating drum beats and soft synths to evoke a retro vibe. Dhanji’s rap poetry added a modern touch and I contributed by singing Hazrat Amir Khusrow’s Sufi song Aeri Sakhi. This juxtaposition of musical styles reflects our desire as artists to navigate between spiritual and secular themes in an effort to bring about positive change.
Regarding your track ‘Express Ways’ – tell us about the title and the emotions you wanted to evoke?
Krameri: The title Highway was inspired by the highway that connects Vadodara (my city) and Ahmedabad (Dangi’s city), symbolizing the connection and separation between our respective hometowns. As we began our campaign, crossing this highway allowed me to experience Ahmedabad from a dangi perspective, uncovering its hidden gems like drive-in cinemas, and fostering a sense of shared camaraderie.
Where do you see Indian rap going in the next five years?
Krameri: Over the next five years, I expect rap music in India to continue its upward trajectory with an emphasis on diversity and innovation. The future of Indian rap will be characterized by admiration rather than objectification, which means a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and respect.
Dhanji: I expect rap music to become more ingrained in India’s youth culture, becoming a powerful tool for social commentary and artistic expression. With emerging artists already making great strides, there is a vibrant and eclectic rap scene ahead.
Finally, please introduce your cooperation with Converse and whether you need such a platform to further promote independent artists?
Krameri: Working with Converse has been an incredible experience, like a dream come true. It’s rare to find a platform that both promotes artists and supports their careers. Dhanji: Synonymous with street culture for generations, their attempts at promoting India’s underground independent artists were groundbreaking. What makes this event unique is that it gives us artists unprecedented creative freedom. We were able to create music that really resonated with our audience without any pressure to incorporate brand references.
Express Ways is now available on all audio platforms.
Email: [email protected]
X: @muskankhullar03
