The festival of Onam has always been celebrated through tradition, music, and cultural performances. But this year, Kerala witnessed a historic moment in its contemporary music scene with the release of “Never Mind”, a groundbreaking Onam 2025 anthem created by Derby Tomhills, one of Kerala’s most promising music producers, and Hijaz, the dynamic rapper-singer-songwriter.
Blending Kerala’s festive spirit with the pulsating energy of electronic trap music, “Never Mind” is more than just a song—it is a cultural experiment that bridges the old and the new, tradition and modernity, Kerala roots and global sounds.
“Never Mind” was officially released on August 9, 2025, across all major streaming platforms, followed by a grand audio launch at Yuga Mix 2025 in Kochi on August 10. The launch event wasn’t just a musical showcase—it marked a cultural milestone for Kerala’s independent music scene.
What sets “Never Mind” apart is its unique concept. The song reimagines the legendary story of Maveli (Mahabali), the beloved king whose spirit is said to visit Kerala every Onam. But instead of the traditional portrayal, Derby Tomhills and Hijaz crafted a contemporary interpretation of Maveli, embedding his timeless message of unity, prosperity, and joy into the high-energy soundscape of trap and electronic beats. This fusion ensures that the younger generation—who often consume global genres like EDM, trap, and hip-hop—can connect with their cultural identity through a sound they already resonate with.
The audio launch of “Never Mind” at Yuga Mix 2025 in Kochi drew massive attention, with three stalwarts of the Indian music industry inaugurating the event: Ranjith Meleppatt, award-winning composer, arranger, founder of My Studio Kochi, and IRAA Award recipient; Sony Mohan, celebrated playback singer, songwriter, and voice-over artist; and Arun Yuga, Kerala’s first music business coach and a pioneer in mentoring independent artists. The guests praised the collaboration for breaking barriers in Kerala’s music scene, blending the cultural essence of Onam with the futuristic edge of trap and electronic sounds. Their recognition reinforced the idea that Onam, while rooted in history, can evolve into a festival that speaks to global youth culture.
For Derby Tomhills, “Never Mind” represents a dream project that combines cultural storytelling with modern production. “This song is our way of celebrating Onam with a sound that’s both global and rooted in our culture,” Derby shared. “We wanted to bring Maveli into today’s soundscape—something that younger generations can vibe with while staying connected to tradition.”
Hijaz, known for his bold lyricism and electrifying performances, brought his unique voice to the project. “Onam is about unity and joy, and I wanted my verses to capture that spirit while keeping the energy raw and powerful,” he said. The result is a track that not only honors Kerala’s cultural legacy but also sets the stage for a new wave of independent Onam music.
What makes “Never Mind” truly special is its global sound appeal. While the beats and production echo international trap and EDM standards, the theme remains deeply rooted in Kerala’s Onam celebrations. The track features hard-hitting trap drums that bring high energy, electronic layers and synths that add depth and atmosphere, and lyrical storytelling by Hijaz, which reintroduces the legend of Maveli in a language today’s youth understands. By merging these elements, Derby and Hijaz have created a festival anthem that can resonate both in Kerala and on global stages, from playlists to live performances.
Kerala has long been known for its classical, folk, and cinematic music traditions. But in recent years, independent musicians and producers have been experimenting with new genres, carving a niche in the global music map. “Never Mind” represents this shift. It is one of the first Onam songs to fully embrace electronic trap music, a bold step that signals how Kerala’s culture can evolve without losing its roots. For young listeners, this track symbolizes pride in tradition while staying plugged into global trends.
“Never Mind” by Derby Tomhills and Hijaz is now streaming on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and JioSaavn. The track is already generating buzz online with listeners praising its innovative sound, festival energy, and cultural relevance.
With “Never Mind”, Derby Tomhills and Hijaz have set a new benchmark for festive music in Kerala. By daring to blend Maveli’s timeless story with trap and electronic beats, they have opened the door to a future where Onam celebrations can be both traditional and trendsetting. As Kerala embraces its festivals in the modern age, songs like “Never Mind” show how music can connect generations, celebrate culture, and still make waves in the global soundscape.
Onam 2025 now has a soundtrack that speaks to the world.
Hit play and feel the vibe – check out the song here:
