Asian acts to check out at Coachella 2022: EPIK HIGH, Arooj Aftab, NIKI, The Hu, and more

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Asian acts to check out at Coachella 2022: EPIK HIGH, Arooj Aftab, NIKI, The Hu, and more

Coachella is kicking off this weekend!

2NE1 reunite at Coachella 2022, CL, Dara, Park Bom, and Minzy perform 'I Am The Best'

The coveted music and arts festival is making its grand return after two years this 15 to 24 April for two weekends' worth of performances from some of music's most exciting acts—from Billie Eilish and Harry Styles to The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia. 

This year's lineup also sees an array of Asian acts that span a range of genres whether it be metal, hip-hop, or pop. For 2022, Coachella is also partnering up with Asian-centric music collective 88rising for a special Head In The Clouds Forever attraction. 

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88rising take over Coachella 2022 with Head In The Clouds Forever showcase – 2NE1's surprise reunion, new songs, rising stars, pop icons, and more

To help map your route through this year's festival, here are some of the Asian artists playing at Coachella 2022. 


Epik High

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

After their Coachella debut in 2016, Epik High are returning back to the Desert Stage this April, making them the first-ever Korean group to be invited back to the festival. The trio—which comprises Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz—are one of Korea's biggest and most influential hip-hop acts. Through the years, they've released several hits like 'Born Hater', 'HOME IS FAR AWAY', 'Rosario'and more. The group is currently on tour in support of their 10th studio album, Epik High Is Here Pts 1. and 2.


Japanese Breakfast

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday)

Fun-filled and retro-inspired, Japanese Breakfast's cheery and energetic music is making its way to this year's Coachella. Throughout her career, the GRAMMY-nominated act has tracked her journey through dealing with grief and searching for joy against the backdrop of 80s pop and eclectic rock. 


NIKI

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

In the last couple of years, NIKI has become one of pop's biggest rising stars, cultivating a following that spans across the world. Characterised for her witty lyrics and seamless blend of pop and R&B, the Indonesian singer-songwriter is known for her tracks 'lowkey', 'I Like You', 'Every Summertime'and 'Lose'. 


Raveena

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

25-year-old singer Raveena will stun you and steal your heart with music from her recently released album, Asha's Awakening. She brings together Western and South Asian sounds to deliver a soul-cleansing brand of contemporary R&B that will get you on your feet and dance the night away.


TOKiMONSTA

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

Los Angeles producer Jennifer Lee, a.k.a TOKiMONSTA, knows how to throw a party. Her presence immediately demands your attention, but it isn't until she hits the stage that the Korean-American artist hypnotizes her audience with the power of hip-hop and electronic sounds.


Beabadoobee

When: 17 April (Sunday), 24 April (Sunday)

Just before delivering her next studio album Beatopia under Dirty Hit, Filipino-British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee will be gracing the Coachella stage. Her alternative rock vibe paired with pop-tinged hooks will get you feeling like you're the protagonist in your very own teen drama series.


Arooj Aftab

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

It is difficult to box Arooj Aftab's music into a single genre. The GRAMMY Award-winner borrows inspiration from her Pakistani roots, Urdu ghazals, and love languages, blending them with a contemporary jazz and ambient sound that she makes her own.


Rich Brian

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday) 

After going viral with his debut single ‘Dat $tick’, Indonesian rapper Rich Brian catapulted to fame with his hits like ‘Glow Like Dat’, ‘Drive Safe’, and ‘These Nights’ featuring K-pop dancing queen ChungHa. Known for his gravel-toned voice and whip-sharp wit, the 'Edamame' hitmaker is one that you wouldn’t want to miss! 


The Hu

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday) 

The Hu most definitely requires no introduction to metalheads all over the world. With their distinct sound of music that stems heavily from their Mongolian roots, the band makes use of traditional Mongolian instruments as well as old Mongolian war cries and poetry in their discography.


Rina Sawayama

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday)

Pixels (Rina Sawayama Fans) are in for a treat as the ‘XS’ hitmaker takes the stage on the 16 and 23 April. Vivacious, colourful, and never one to shy away from making a bold statement, Rina Sawayama is the epitome of eye-catching, having an expansive thematic discography from describing the pitfalls of a technology-driven world to the over-obsession of materialism and consumerism.


Sama' Abdulhadi

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday)

Having most recently been named under the SheSaid.So’s Alternative Power 100 List, Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi is perhaps the most prolific stature of the local underground music scene. Her appearance at Coachella has been a long time coming, as she was slated to bring her techno beats to the festival’s stage in 2020 before its postponement was announced.


Peggy Gou

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

Berlin-based Korean DJ Peggy Gou brings an added flavour to the festival with her abstract compositions. Dreamy and groovy, the 'I Go' act had her breakthrough playing at the famed Berghain club, leading to her rise as a global name in the scene. With hundreds of successful shows under her belt, Peggy has travelled to Bali, toured Australia, and now, she will be returning to Coachella for her second time, bringing another round of unforgettable sets for festival-goers. 


Joji

When: 17 April (Sunday), 24 April (Sunday)

88rising 's Joji is not an unfamiliar name to music fans. Pairing soulful vocals with elements of rap, electronic music, R&B, and folk, Joji brings an eclectic show to the festival. The 'Sanctuary' act brings an air of freedom and euphoria with each show he plays at, pulling audiences in to soak in the same high together, intoxicated on music.   


Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday)

Colourful and saccharine, J-pop princess Kyary Pamyu Pamyu presents her own blend of mesmerizing electro-pop tunes accentuated by her larger-than-life persona on stage. More than music, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a true performer and the model and singer is sure to bring a stage like no other, proudly flaunting her Kawaii and decora style.


SOHMI

When: 15 April (Friday), 22 April (Friday)

The Korean-American DJ, producer, and vocalist based in Los Angeles shot to fame with collaborations with 'Someone Like You' with Lubelski and RYBO and 'Sunday Sunset' with Josh Butler. Mixing minimal house and techno with the calmer tunes of R&B and jazz, SOHMI was praised as an "up and coming artist you should know about" by BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard, last year. Now, more can get a taste of her live set at Coachella.  


88rising

When: 16 April (Saturday), 23 April (Saturday)

K-pop icon CL, multi-hyphenate Jackson Wang, Japanese-American singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada, Thai rapper MILLI, Korean singer-songwriter BIBI, rising Indonesian star Warren Hue, plus 88rsising mainstays NIKI and Rich Brian are taking over the Main Stage for their Head In The Clouds Forever showcase.


Coachella is happening on 15-17 and 22-24 April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Check it out here.