Kerala's independent music scene has been loud for years: rap in Malayalam, indie bands from Kochi, folk with electronic beats. In July 2026, Spotify gave it a dedicated programme.
What was launched
Spotify launched RADAR Malayalam in Kochi. The New Indian Express covered the launch, and Mathrubhumi spoke to Spotify on why Malayalam was chosen. Singer Haniya Nafisa is the first spotlight artist, with her song "Nattamthiri" leading the playlist. The launch included a Spotify for Artists masterclass and a live set.
Spotify's own Loud & Clear India post from September 2026 mentions that RADAR expanded to Malayalam this year "following Punjabi and Tamil".
What RADAR is
RADAR is Spotify's programme for emerging artists. It combines editorial playlists, marketing support and promotion for selected artists. Picking a language for RADAR is a signal of where Spotify sees growth.
Why Malayalam
Spotify's India music head Dhruvank Vaidya told The New Indian Express that the Malayalam indie movement "is booming now". And Spotify's royalty data backs that up: royalties from Malayalam music on Spotify grew more than 30% in 2025, according to the Loud & Clear India report.
What it tells artists in other languages
Punjabi got RADAR. Then Tamil. Now Malayalam. The pattern is clear: when a language builds a strong independent scene with steady releases, platforms build programmes around it.
Haryanvi, Bhojpuri and Rajasthani artists should take note. Haryanvi streams on Spotify grew almost sevenfold from February 2023 to February 2026, as per the same report. That is the kind of growth that gets attention.
How to be ready when a programme reaches your language
Nobody applies to RADAR with a form. Editors pick artists. So the best thing is to look ready:
- Release regularly. One song every 6-8 weeks beats one album every two years.
- Tag your language correctly. If your song is in Malayalam, Bhojpuri or Haryanvi, the metadata should say so.
- Claim your Spotify for Artists profile and pitch each new song at least 7 days before release.
- Build a local live base. Spotify's Malayalam launch included a live performance. Editors notice artists who can perform.
Release properly from day one
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