desi
what it is
Desi (also Deshi) is a word used to describe the people, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent and their diaspora, derived from Sanskrit देश (deśá), meaning "land, country". Deshi traces its origin specifically to the people of the countries India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make desi a playlist
turn these 25 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is desi?
Desi (also Deshi) is a word used to describe the people, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent and their diaspora, derived from Sanskrit देश (deśá), meaning "land, country". Deshi traces its origin specifically to the people of the countries India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
What are good desi albums to start with?
Try Made In England by B21, Ishq by Amrinder Gill, Rambo by Jazzy B, and Dhol Jageero Da by Panjabi MC.
Who are some women making desi?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/desi/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making desi, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20