Rootless shares debut single “Rakitakitanana”

Rootless is an exciting new collective rising out of Scotland, a group of Indian and Roma musicians whose mission is to channel shared histories into something that feels at once celebratory and profound. Their sound is based in the high-energy rhythms of Bhangra and Manele, taking the infectious drive of modern Indian music and fusing it with the bold traditions of Roma culture. The group presents a hybrid genre as well as a cultural dialogue that recognises a bond stretching back centuries while thriving in the present moment.

The story of Rootless began with producer Janos and Sodhi, who were drawn to the deep historical connection between Romani and Indian cultures. The Roma people trace their origins back to India, a migration story that still echoes through their music, language and traditions. Rootless was created to honour that legacy, bringing it forward in a way that’s both modern and respectful, creating space where the threads of two cultures can stitch together musically, visually and emotionally.

Their debut track “RakiTakitanana” embodies this ethos; penned by Matus and David, with lyrics translated by acclaimed Pakistani-British producer Sarmad Ghafoor, the song pulses with Indian textures while showcasing the energy of Romani instrumentation. The production bears Sarmad’s touch, balancing tradition with modern energy.

At the centre are the vocals of Karan, soaring above Sodhi’s intricate tabla patterns and Prince’s pounding dhol, which provides the heartbeat of the track and together, they create a rhythm section that drives the song with relentless momentum. Opened by the stabs of bright instrumental textures, fluttering melodic runs and intricate percussive patters form an instantly engrossing soundscape as the expressive vocal leads enter to spin elegant melodic flickers above.

Flowing with pulsing rhythmic groove and shifting arrangement that glides through moments of dreamy instrumental flourishes and lively vocal-led passages, the track serves up a fiercely original and highly enjoyable sound that reaches to the past to bring something new and utterly incredible to the present. Putting their songwriting talent and musicianship panache on full display, “RakiTakitanana” sees Rootless make a spectacular entrance as a thrilling new project with a truly worthwhile musical vision.

The video for “RakiTakitanana” explodes with colour and joy, a street-festival rendered on screen where two dancers, dressed in sarees, merge the refined gestures of Indian classical movement with the vitality of Romani dance, their steps perfectly matched to the driving beat. Around them, the band radiates energy, flamenco-inspired guitar lines, bursts of saxophone adding gypsy-Spanish flavour, all underpinned by a bassline that locks the whole performance into place. The group are already set to bring that vision to the stage later this year, performing at the Aberdeen Mela on September 7th 2025 and if their debut is anything to go by, their live presence will be less a gig than a carnival of shared heritage and a reminder that in music, origins can travel, intertwine and grow anew.

Watch the music video for Rakitakitanana below

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