The JBL Music Academy has steadily grown into one of India’s most exciting platforms for emerging musicians — a space where raw talent meets mentorship, collaboration, and real-world opportunities. Designed to empower young artists from across the country, the Academy serves as a launchpad for new voices to learn, grow, and be heard.
Over the years, it has been home to incredible stories of growth — from Himanshu Kalwani (2023) to Saachi Rajadhyaksha (2024) — each edition pushing the boundaries of creativity and community.
This Year’s Edition: A Step Beyond
The 2025 edition of JBL Music Academy took things to an entirely new level. With over 360+ entries pouring in from every corner of India, the program once again proved how vibrant and diverse the country’s music scene truly is.
From this ocean of talent, 12 emerging artists were handpicked for their originality, passion, and artistic promise. What followed was a creative journey that redefined collaboration — guided by three of India’s most respected music voices: Karan Kanchan, Ankur Tewari, and Karsh Kale.
Mentorship Meets Collaboration
Under the mentors’ guidance, the finalists were divided into six duos — each pairing two unique creative energies to co-write and produce original tracks. The process was more than just music-making; it was an exchange of ideas, cultures, and artistic philosophies.
Across weeks of sessions and studio time, the artists built six brand-new songs — tracks born from emotion, experimentation, and shared vision. These included:
- Pratika x Raksheet — “Makka”
- Napnosis x Rekurrem — “Speed of Light”
- Dawgeek x Arkh — “Dhiktak”
- Shia x Prashanth — “Anima”
- Damini x Mudra — “Tharikita Love”
- Pratham x Srujan — “Laya”
Each track reflected the future sound of Indian music — fearless, hybrid, and boundary-pushing.
A Masterclass with A.R. Rahman
One of the high points of this year’s Academy was an exclusive roundtable session with A.R. Rahman, where the finalists got to interact directly with the legend himself. The conversation went beyond music — touching upon creativity, persistence, and finding one’s voice in a changing industry. For many participants, it was a moment that defined their artistic journey.
And the Winner Is…
After weeks of mentorship and creation, the final tracks were evaluated by A.R. Rahman, the mentors, and a round of social voting. The winning track — “Makka” by Pratika and Raksheet — stood out for its fresh sound, storytelling, and undeniable chemistry.
As winners, the duo now embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience — flying to Amsterdam to visit Martin Garrix’s STMPD Studios, where they’ll meet global artists, explore new sonic frontiers, and represent India on the international stage.
Beyond Competition: Building a Community
What makes JBL Music Academy truly special is that it’s not just a competition — it’s a celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. Each edition builds on the last, reaffirming JBL’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Indian musicians.
Through mentorship, exposure, and global experiences, the Academy continues to amplify new voices and showcase Indian talent to the world.Because at its heart, the JBL Music Academy isn’t just about finding the next big artist — it’s about shaping the sound of tomorrow.
