Malayalam hip-hop artist Afzal Azad has released his new full-length concept album Aarppo Onam, bringing the sounds, celebrations and cultural traditions of Kerala’s Onam festival into a contemporary musical setting. The 11-track album was released on 15 August 2026 through KREATE UR ID MUSICS.
Aarppo Onam combines elements of Malayalam folk music, hip-hop, festival trap and phonk, while each song explores a different aspect of the Onam experience. King Mahabali, Onasadya, Vallamkali, Pulikali and memories of Kerala’s village celebrations are among the themes featured across the album.
Aarppo Onam Album Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | Aarppo Onam |
| Artist | Afzal Azad |
| Label | KREATE UR ID MUSICS |
| Release Date | 15 August 2026 |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Malayalam Hip-Hop, Festival Trap, Phonk, Regional Rap |
| Number of Tracks | 11 |
| Tagline | The Sound of Kerala |
| Availability | Major music streaming platforms |
The album combines traditional sounds including Chenda Melam and Ilathalam percussion with trap drums, Memphis-style phonk textures, heavy 808 bass and crowd chants. The project aims to present Kerala’s cultural identity to a younger and wider audience while retaining its connection to traditional Onam celebrations.
Onam Traditions Reimagined Through Contemporary Music
Rather than following a single continuous storyline, Aarppo Onam approaches the festival through different experiences and emotions.
The album begins with the energetic “Aarppo – Onam Rap” and moves into the return of King Mahabali and the togetherness associated with the Onasadya. Songs such as “Onathumbi” and “Kallikkuyil” explore folk influences and village memories, while the later tracks build towards the energy of Vallamkali and Pulikali.
The overall production follows KREATE UR ID MUSICS’ fusion of Malayalam folk influences with hip-hop, trap and phonk. Its visual identity also draws from familiar Kerala and Onam imagery, including the Chundan Vallam, Pookkalam, temple imagery and Pulikali body art.
Aarppo Onam Track List
| No. | Track | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aarppo – Onam Rap | Opening anthem |
| 2 | Mahabali | Return of King Mahabali |
| 3 | Onasadya | Feast and togetherness |
| 4 | Onathumbi | Folk-style playful celebration |
| 5 | Kallikkuyil | Village nostalgia |
| 6 | Jeep Vallam | Celebration and movement |
| 7 | Panchara Kunju | Childhood fun |
| 8 | Raaki Parakkunna | Heritage and memories |
| 9 | Vallamkali | Snake boat race |
| 10 | Theevandi | Journey and nostalgia |
| 11 | Pulikali | Festival finale |
The complete 11-song track list moves from the opening Onam anthem through themes of Mahabali, food, childhood, heritage and village nostalgia before reaching Vallamkali, Theevandi and Pulikali.
Aarppo – Onam Rap Features Alex and Jyotsna Radhakrishnan
The opening track, “Aarppo – Onam Rap,” includes vocals by Alex and Jyotsna Radhakrishnan. Suhail Ibrahim has contributed additional music and instrumentation to the song.
The track serves as the opening anthem of Aarppo Onam and introduces the album’s combination of contemporary production and Kerala’s festival atmosphere.
Where to Listen to Aarppo Onam
Aarppo Onam is available across major digital music services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and JioSaavn. The press material also lists Anghami distribution as pending at the time of release.
With 11 tracks dedicated to different elements of Kerala’s biggest festival, Aarppo Onam presents Onam through Malayalam rap, folk influences, trap and phonk, connecting familiar traditions with a contemporary musical sound.
About Afzal Azad and KREATE UR ID MUSICS
Afzal Azad is a Malayalam artist and songwriter and the Founder and Creative Director of KREATE UR ID. He releases original music on digital streaming platforms under his own name.
KREATE UR ID MUSICS is the music imprint of KREATE UR ID, a branding and creative studio based in Kochi, Kerala, with a presence in Dubai.
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