Playback singer turned indie-pop artiste Dhee on empowering a new generation through music

You may have heard her in the iconic ‘Enjoy Enjaami’ song or the viral ‘Rowdy Baby’, but singer Dhee is now moving into the Western pop sphere with her latest album, Jackfruit.  Born to a Sri Lankan father and an Indian mother, and raised in Australia, Dhee blends her cross-cultural experiences to craft her unique musical identity. In an exclusive chat with Bazaar India, the 26-year-old opens up about creating music on her own terms, breaking the cycle of generational trauma, and vision for authentic South Asian representation in the music industry. 

Harper’s Bazaar: How has your personality evolved over time? 

Dhee: Over the years, I’ve stopped overthinking and started trusting my instincts, both creatively and otherwise. I trust that everything in the world happens for a reason, and I truly believe it’s for the best. That’s been a liberating thought. 

HB: Please share the inspiration behind your album (Jackfruit). Also, what’s next in store? 

D: Jackfruit is about navigating what home means to me, both literally and philosophically. There are songs inspired by my heritage and identity, and there are songs about growing up, love, and heartbreak. It’s the sum of my life up until this day. Looking ahead, I’m really excited to prepare the setlist and start performing the songs. 

HB: 'I Wear My Roots Like a Medal' is a powerful name for a song. Can you let us into your experience of shooting the song? 

D: I shot this video at my grandma’s house in Jaffna, where she grew up. My grandma agreeing to be in the video was the most special thing to me. I felt I was reliving my mum’s childhood, and it was therapeutic. The song is sort of a second-generation immigrant tale, and there are personal recollections and stories I’ve been told by my family. I wanted to pay homage to the generation of people who’ve contributed to where I am today through their sacrifices and choices. It’s about understanding and breaking the cycle of generational pain, hurt, and grief that one may carry, often unknowingly. Most of us don’t live where our ancestors once did; in many ways, we are all displaced. The search for a sense of belonging is almost a fundamental human struggle. 

HB: Highlight a few artists or movements that you find inspiring? 

D: I’ve listened to a lot of Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, to the point where it feels like they’re family members to me and have been a part of my life. Lately, I’ve also been loving Raye and Sabrina Carpenter, who are bringing back so much of what I love about music, songwriting, and performance in pop. 

HB: Did you face any culture shock in the Indian music industry? 

D: I think, in the beginning, it was mostly about how closely attached the entire music industry was to films. With the independent music scene and artistes growing, there’s a shift now. 

HB: What are your thoughts on the progress made in authentic representation of Tamils in music and films? 

D: In music, M.I.A. (British rapper) has been a pioneer in placing not only Tamil but South Asian artistes on the map. Now, there are so many of us in music sharing our stories with the world. Artistes like SVDP, Priya Ragu, and Japhna Gold, who I’m really excited about, create such beautiful art. There was a void for a while, but I’m confident that now we’ll be seeing more representation in the mainstream, with social media being such a strong factor in discovering new music. 

HB: Were you always confident or experienced moments of self-doubt? 

D: I’ve always, for as long as I can remember, absolutely loved music—it’s everything to me. It will always be the love of my life. I’ve always loved creative writing and writing short stories. Later, when I started writing lyrics, I had to really cut down long descriptions and internalise what I’m feeling, and find ways to say it in fewer words, which is something I still sometimes have to work on. When I was a kid, I purely loved singing and playing music, so there was no room for self-doubt. It definitely crept in as I grew up, and it would come in tsunami waves, especially if I hadn’t practised in a while, hadn’t written something, or if I’d been overthinking. But the solution has always been creating and practicing more, and doing it consistently. '

HB: Other genres or styles you want to explore? 

D: There’s so much music in the world that inspires me. I try to create music that excites me and enjoy listening to, without feeling the need to box myself into a specific genre. I focus on doing what I love and what feels honest to who I am. 

HB: Artistes you hope to work with in the future? 

D: I’m throwing a name out there hoping the universe will hear me: Kendrick Lamar

This article first appeared in Harper’s Bazaar India, September 2024, print edition. 

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