Prabhanjan A is a singer-songwriter and composer who has been releasing music independently since 2021. Originally from Bengaluru and brought up in New Delhi, he has built a discography through singles and collaborations that often talk about complicated relationships and identity crises. Tracks like Cutputli and Soya Jaye Na point to this approach, while collaborations with artistes such as Muhfaad and Riya Goley have added distinct colours to his musical sensibility. His latest single, Thugwa, released earlier this week, leans into a desi Afropop groove and opens a new chapter in his journey. We caught up with Prabhanjan to talk about the song and the road ahead.
Looking back, Prabhanjan describes his relationship with music as one that has evolved over time. “I’ve been learning music since 2016. I started learning it as a hobby, but now I’ve started enjoying what I make,” he says. That change, he adds, has brought, “a sense of growth and personal achievement,” that continues to motivate him.
Talking about Thugwa, Prabhanjan keeps the mood light. “It’s a desi Afro-pop song. It’s fun to listen to, it’s very groovy,” he says. Lyrically, the song plays with the misunderstandings and emotional push and pull between a couple.
The song came together after producer BUKI sent him a tropical beat he had created while vacationing in Goa and it immediately struck a chord. Around the same time, Prabhanjan found himself hooked on the bhajan Kaun Thagwa Nagariya Lutal Ho by pandit Kumar Gandharva, which stayed with him while the song was coming together. Looking ahead, Prabhanjan is focused on staying consistent. With plans to release more music through the year, including an EP, he feels clearer about his direction. “Now, I know what I do, how to do it and what the purpose is,” he says.
Thugwa is streaming on all audio platforms.
Written by Anoushka Kundu
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