BEATS AND BELONGING

How TroyBoi's multicultural heritage fuels his bold, genre-defying sound

- Verus Ferreira

Internationally acclaimed British producer and DJ TroyBoi recently released his most personal and culturally significant project the EP Rootz consisting of five tracks.

This collection has a sample of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in his song Khabi. His work is a blend of his signature trap and bass style with the rich traditions of Indian, Punjabi, House, and Hip-Hop music and is a vibrant tribute to his Indian heritage and a reflection of the sounds that shaped him from childhood.

With his mother of Indian descent, TroyBoi grew up surrounded by Indian culture from food and films to music. His EP aptly titled, Rootz captures that lifelong connection of his roots.

In an exclusive interview, TroyBoi with his Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, and Nigerian descent, shares his journey fusing all his music and cultural influences in his work.

Excerpts from the interview:

You recently a new EP Rootz, for which you collaborated with several Indian artistes. What's the overall sound and vibe of the album like?

The sound of Rootz is inspired by my cultural heritage from my mother's side. It's a fusion of my signature production style with the rich textures of Indian music. It's heavy, soulful, and cinematic, but also deeply personal. Each track reflects a different part of my journey, tying in culture, rhythm, and emotion. I wanted it to feel both global and rooted in tradition.

You've worked with Jazzy B, Amrit Maan, and BombayMami on this project. How did these collaborations come about, and what qualities were you looking for in your collaborators?