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Tag: Red Bull

  • Karma drops truth bombs in ‘Zi Freestyle’ as 64 Bars returns for season 3

    Karma drops truth bombs in ‘Zi Freestyle’ as 64 Bars returns for season 3

    MUMBAI: Bar none, hip-hop just got real. Def Jam Recordings India and Red bull have teamed up once again to unleash season 3 of Red Bull 64 Bars, the platform that strips rap back to its purest form, 64 lines, no hooks, no fluff, just raw lyricism and storytelling.

    https://open.spotify.com/album/1NZfcJlmwxaOt9z9tTIePU?si=od7C1BNBQhe6eZk9uu0YDg

    The season opens with a bang as rapper Karma joins forces with producer Stunnah Beatz on “Zi Freestyle” a track that sways from smooth, jazz-soaked textures into a hard-hitting beat, mirroring Karma’s verses that blend vulnerability with bravado.

    “Working on Zi Freestyle was an incredible experience,” Karma said. “The format pushes you to focus on the essence of the craft, pure bars and storytelling. Stunnah’s production was the perfect canvas to lay down my truth.”

    Launched globally, Red Bull 64 Bars challenges both rising and established MCs to showcase skill over spectacle. It’s about words, rhythm and authenticity, not chart hooks. Last year’s standout, Vazan by Sambata, became a fan favourite, and season 3 promises to push the envelope further.

    Industry leaders say the format is fuelling India’s hip-hop movement. “Red Bull 64 Bars is one of the most exciting platforms for hip-hop in India,” said UMG India & south Asia, new business & brand partnerships, svp & business head, Preeti Nayyar. “With Def Jam as the perfect home, this collaboration reflects our commitment to championing new voices and celebrating India’s music culture.”

    Adding to that, UMG, head of independent artist collective, Sumedhas Rajgopal, noted: “The format gives artists the freedom to express themselves in the most authentic way. With season 3, we’re bringing fresh performances from rappers and producers who’ll keep pushing boundaries.”

    Zi Freestyle by Karma and Stunnah Beatz is now streaming on all major platforms, setting the tone for a season that proves when it comes to hip-hop, it’s all about the bars.

  • Team K9 Esports clinch BGMS Season 4 title, take home Rs 60 lakh

    Team K9 Esports clinch BGMS Season 4 title, take home Rs 60 lakh

    MUMBAI: The squad stormed to victory at the Oneplus android ‘Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series’ (BGMS), lifting the trophy and walking away with Rs 60 lakh from the Rs 1.5 crore prize pool. The three-day LAN finals, held from 12–14 September at the Nodwin Gaming Arena in Delhi, drew record eyeballs: over 10 million views on Youtube and more than 500,000 on Jiohotstar, with streams in Hindi, English, and Gujarati.

    Led by in-game leader Sahil “Omega” Jakhar, Team K9 Esports (Arclyn, Beast, Ninjaboi, and Slug) topped the table on all three days, finishing with 107 points and three chicken dinners. “One in the bag, more to go,” Omega quipped after their win.

    Sinewy Esports and Iqoo Soul tied at 96 points but Sinewy edged second place on finishes, pocketing Rs 22.6 lakh. True Rippers and Revenant Xspark completed the top five.

    Individual honours shone too: Hydro of True Rippers was named MVP with 27 finishes, while Tracegod of Revenant Xspark bagged the ‘TVS Most Wicked Player’ award for a stunning 113 finishes across the season.

    This season also pushed boundaries beyond the battlefield. With its dual-format league, grassroots teams and even all-women rosters from the BGCS feeder league earned their shot on the big stage. Big-name partners including Oneplus, TVS, Red Bull, Swiggy, Bisleri, and even Tesla (which showcased its Model Y) added to the spectacle.

    Nodwin Gaming, co-founder and md, Akshat Rathee, hailed the season as a breakthrough moment and said, “From all-women teams to new brands entering esports, BGMS Season 4 has set benchmarks for inclusivity, scale and reach, bringing competitive gaming to Indian homes on TV and OTT, and proving it’s more than just a tournament. It’s a movement.” 
     

  • Battle royale hits prime time as BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals go live

    Battle royale hits prime time as BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals go live

    MUMBAI: The battleground has shifted from mobile screens to the big stage, literally. The Oneplus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4 Grand Finals fire up today at the Nodwin Gaming Arena in Delhi, where 16 of India’s finest esports teams will fight it out across 12 matches from 12–14 September for the championship crown and a cool Rs 1.5 crore prize pool.

    This isn’t just another LAN event; it’s India’s only esports tournament with national TV presence, beaming live on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar from 5 pm to 8 pm. For fans, that means three days of adrenaline-fuelled prime-time action.

    The star-studded line-up includes league toppers Revenant Xspark, Team SouL, Gods Reign, and Nonx Esports, who qualified directly, joined by 12 hungry challengers from the semi-finals among them Godlike Esports, K9 Esports, Medal Esports, Phoenix Esports, Nebula Esports, and Sinewy Esports. Phoenix stole the show in the Playoffs with 58 points, while Godlike led the semi-finals with 92, setting up a tantalising clash of momentum and pedigree.

    The season has been equally dramatic off the battleground. Oneplus returns as title sponsor and official smartphone partner, Android steps in as co-title sponsor, TVS Motor revs into its third consecutive year, while Red Bull, Swiggy, and Bisleri keep players fuelled. Duolingo English Test makes its debut as official learning partner, and Tesla will showcase its Model Y at the finals because why not add some horsepower to the firepower?

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee framed it as a milestone moment: “The fact that teams from the BGMI Challenger Series made it to the Grand Finals is proof that our grassroots-to-pro vision is working. Now, it’s time to see the very best of Indian esports on the biggest stage.”

    With legacy orgs, rising stars, and the world watching, BGMS Season 4 is more than a tournament, it’s proof that Indian esports has levelled up. The only question is: who will drop in, loot up, and walk away with the crown?

  • Brands lock horns as PKL scores big with four marquee sponsors

    Brands lock horns as PKL scores big with four marquee sponsors

    MUMBAI: Kabaddi isn’t just about raids and tackles anymore, it’s about brands charging onto the mat too. As Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gets ready to storm Visakhapatnam on August 29, official broadcaster JioStar has announced four marquee sponsors: Shriram Finance Limited (BFSI), UltraTech Cement (Infrastructure), Birla Tilestix (Tile Adhesive), and energy drink giant Red Bull.

    The timing is a marketer’s dream. With the festive season around the corner, PKL offers advertisers a golden chance to ride the wave of India’s second-largest sporting league. Season 11 drew over 283 million viewers across TV and digital, including 140 million in Hindi-speaking markets alone numbers that outperformed reality shows and talent hunts. Fans weren’t just tuning in; they were hooked, watching 64 per cent of game time per match on average.

    Season 12 promises to turn up the volume. Expect a revamped format, richer storytelling, deeper fan interactivity, and expanded coverage across 10 plus TV channels and seven language feeds on JioHotstar. JioStar is betting that this multi-platform blitz will take engagement to record levels.

    “PKL has built a loyal and growing viewership, making it one of the most followed sporting leagues in the country,” a JioStar spokesperson said. “Season 12 will build on this momentum by offering brands high-impact visibility and strong engagement with premium audiences.”

    The action begins with a high-voltage Southern derby Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas setting the stage for another season of bruising raids, flying tackles, and, now, brand battles. With more sponsors expected to pile in, Season 12 looks set to prove that kabaddi isn’t just India’s ancient sport, it’s also modern marketing’s new playground.

  • BGMS 4 drops with Rs 1.5 crore loot, fresh faces and fierce inclusivity

    BGMS 4 drops with Rs 1.5 crore loot, fresh faces and fierce inclusivity

    MUMBAI: Drop in, loot up, and get ready for the chaos. BGMS is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Nodwin Gaming has unleashed Season 4 of the Oneplus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series, airing live on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar daily from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM until 14 September, with a staggering Rs 1.5 crore prize pool on the line.

    But it’s not just about the loot this time. The tournament has levelled up with the launch of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series (BGCS), the official amateur feeder league into the BGMS. Featuring 24 squads including 2 campus champs from the Oneplus Campus Dominate qualifiers, 1 team from TVS Raider Wicked Battles, 17 invited rosters, and a historic 4 all-women line-ups the Challenger Series is bringing fresh blood and fearless energy to Indian esports. Matches stream live on Nodwin’s Youtube channel from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm every day.

    “BGMS has become more than a tournament; it’s a cultural movement,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “Season 4 champions inclusivity at every level, from campus qualifiers to all-women teams on national television.”

    Title sponsor Oneplus is back for another round, powering gameplay with its flagship Oneplus 13 and Nord series. Android continues as co-title sponsor, while TVS Motor Company rides in as official mobility partner for a third year running with its TVS Raider Wicked Battles initiative.

    New faces join the fray too Duolingo English Test debuts as official learning partner, rolling out even a Gujarati-language feed, while Swiggy steps in as official food delivery partner, keeping players and crews fed through marathon matchdays. Red Bull fuels players for a second year, while Bisleri makes its debut as Hydration Partner.

    The BGCS runs till 7 September, setting the stage for BGMS Season 4’s finale stretch. With esports on primetime TV and national brands stacking up behind the action, BGMS isn’t just gaming anymore, it’s India’s newest sporting spectacle.

  • BBH beefs up brainpower with new EVPs and creative leadership boosts

    BBH beefs up brainpower with new EVPs and creative leadership boosts

    MUMBAI: BBH India is turning up the creative volume and the leadership dial. The Publicis Groupe agency has strengthened its senior bench with the appointment of Delon Mascarenhas and Mitushi Sharma as executive vice presidents, while also elevating Ashwin Palkar and Nisheeth Srivastava to senior executive creative directors.

    The shake-up comes as BBH India enjoys a hot streak: fresh business wins, deeper partnerships, and international recognition, including a Bronze Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its cheeky “Bassi Vs Garnier Men’s Facewash” campaign. It also bagged the No. 3 spot in India on the MMA Smarties Business Impact Index 2024 underlining its momentum.

    Mascarenhas, who re-joins BBH, brings more than 25 years of experience spanning brand strategy, content, and digital marketing. His career highlights include senior stints at DDB Mudra Group, Edelman India, Havas Life, and Tring, working with marquee brands like McDonald’s, HUL, Red Bull, Meesho, Dream11, and Abbott.

    Sharma comes in with over 23 years of advertising chops, most recently at FCB Interface, and a portfolio covering categories from FMCG to pharma. She has shaped strategies for global and Indian heavyweights including Nivea, Whirlpool, Mahindra, Torrent Pharma, and has played a pivotal role in managing Unilever brands such as Lakme, Domex, and Ayush.

    Ashwin Palkar and Nisheeth Srivastava’s elevation signals BBH’s push for creative firepower and talent development. Both will continue reporting to chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattacharya.

    Commenting on the appointments BBH India MD and COO Himanshu Saxena said: “With Delon and Mitushi, we’re doubling down on our belief in creativity that delivers full-funnel marketing effectiveness. This leadership is built to take us into the next growth phase.”

    For Mascarenhas, it’s a homecoming: “I’m excited to re-join BBH India at this pivotal moment. With a strong team and bold vision, the opportunity to shape brands in today’s evolving landscape is immense.”

    Sharma echoed the sentiment: “BBH has always stood out for blending cultural insight, creativity, and strategy. With technology changing consumer mindsets, I look forward to pushing boundaries and fuelling exponential growth.”

    With 2025 already stacked with wins, fresh leadership firepower could ensure BBH India continues to punch above its weight in the global creative ring.
     

  • Red Bull is PKL season 11’s official energy drink partner

    Red Bull is PKL season 11’s official energy drink partner

    Mumbai: As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gears up for an exciting season 11, Disney Star has teamed up with Red Bull as the official energy drink partner.

    Joining a stellar roster of sponsors including Dream11, Shriram Finance, ROFF, Parimatch Sports, HP Lubricants, and Mother Dairy, Red Bull boosts PKL’s status as one of India’s top sporting events. Fans can anticipate a season filled with thrilling Kabaddi action, innovative partnerships, and engaging content that enhances the viewing experience.

    PKL Season 11 kicks off on 18 October 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad, featuring a three-city format with matches in Noida and Pune. The opener sees the Telugu Titans take on the Bengaluru Bulls, followed by U Mumba facing Dabang Delhi K.C.

  • Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Mumbai: Def Jam Recordings India, in partnership with Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB), announced a dynamic collaboration with Red Bull to launch the highly anticipated new season of Red Bull 64 Bars. This collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on India’s vibrant hip-hop talent, delivering eight original tracks that represent the country’s diverse music, culture across multiple languages.

    Originally conceptualised by Red Bull, Red Bull 64 Bars stands apart from traditional rap formats by eliminating commercial elements like hooks and refrains, allowing artists to focus purely on raw lyricism and beats. This stripped-back format highlights the unfiltered skill and authenticity of rappers and producers, fostering genuine artistic expression. Powered by the influence and reach of UMG’s premium hip-hop label, Def Jam Recordings India, this season promises an exciting roster of some of India’s most talented emcees, along with a star-studded lineup of producers and artists.

    The format is straightforward, although it does involve a bit of understanding of rhythm and beats. In music (and specifically hip-hop) a single bar is a measure of four counts over a beat. For 64 bars, that means there’s room enough for approximately two minutes of words. Usually, a bar is one aspect of rap vocals, which often form the verse of a song and then there’s the chorus or the hook.

    Season one of Red Bull 64 Bars featured a series of 10 rappers from around the country who worked with Mumbai’s ace beatsmith Karan Kanchan to create a new track that’s all bars. The artists included Bengaluru-based rappers such as Hanumankind and RANJ, plus Mumbai’s cream of the crop, including Dee MC, Shah Rule, MC Altaf, Tienas and Trichia Grace-Ann Rebello, also Delhi NCR bred rappers Agsy and Rawal, and Mohali-based Sikander Kahlon.

    Senior vice president & business head – new business & brand partnerships, India & South Asia, Preeti Nayyar shared, “At UMG for Brands, supporting emerging artists has always been at the heart of what we do. The 64 Bars concept has captured our interest for some time, and we knew it was the kind of project we wanted to champion and partner with. Now that it’s finally happening, we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to foster creativity and elevate the next wave of hip-hop talent in India. With Def Jam Recordings India being the best fit from our labels, we’re uniquely positioned to amplify this initiative. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative that showcases the richness and diversity of India’s music culture through Hip-Hop. It’s a unique platform for artists to share their personal stories with the world, and we couldn’t be more excited to contribute.”

    The new season will feature three of India’s top producers — Karan Kanchan, Sez On The Beat, and Parimal Shais — who will infuse their unique creative energies into the project, shaping the future of Indian hip-hop with their distinctive styles.

    Universal Music Group head of the independent artist collective Sumedhas Rajgopal shared his excitement about the collaboration, “This partnership with Red Bull’s 64 Bars underscores our commitment to elevating and empowering the voices of Indian hip-hop talent. At Def Jam Recordings India, we are passionate about preserving the authenticity of the genre, the culture and Red Bull 64 Bars perfectly aligns with that vision. This platform gives artists the freedom to express themselves without limitations, and we are thrilled to bring these powerful, original tracks to the world. India’s hip-hop scene is evolving rapidly, and we’re proud to play a role in its journey.”
     

  • Maruti Suzuki ARENA Devils Circuit returns with A 10 city rollout

    Maruti Suzuki ARENA Devils Circuit returns with A 10 city rollout

    Mumbai: The 12th Season of India’s biggest Obstacle race – The Maruti Suzuki ARENA Devils Circuit – is announced with a pan India rollout across 10 cities, with Ahmedabad and Indore added to the lineup. Since its inception almost a decade ago, The Maruti Suzuki ARENA Devils Circuit Races have attracted athletes and thrill-seekers alike. Proclaimed to be the Toughest Race in Asia, the winners of the Maruti Suzuki ARENA Devils Circuit competitive category have been army personnel, fitness trainers, and professionals with an affinity to personal fitness.

    The current season, just launched, aims to attract 60,000+ devilslayers to the course where they will be met with a 5 km long course peppered with 15 military style obstacles.

    Known for offering the biggest prize in amateur sports, the competitive category of participation sees enthusiasts run across every city of the season to try and get a podium finish which gives them points. The male and female athlete at the end of the season wins themselves a brand new Maruti Suzuki Swift Car. The competition every year has been fierce and the participants who emerge victorious showcase the best athletic prowess seen in any amateur competition.

    Speaking at the launch of the season, Adnan Adeeb, Founder of the property, said: “I am very emotional as we launch the 12th Season, and I wish to dedicate this season of the Devils Circuit races to the never die spirit of this amazing growing tribe of Devilslayers who are all now determined than ever before to raise the bar of their personal fitness goals and compete to win because to them and us, life is no longer a spectator sport.”

    In the last 10+ years, it has been an absolute privilege to have hosted participants from over 800 cities, and 30 countries. And now as we look ahead, I am grateful and feel truly blessed to have received the support from partners, participants and the incredible tribe of devilslayers. My biggest thanks to Maruti Suzuki for their continued belief in Devils Circuit, together we will make this property soar to higher skies,” he added.

    Commenting on this occasion, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd senior executive officer Partho Banerjee said, “Our association with the Devils Circuit has been a long standing one. As it continues to strengthen, we enter this year’s 12th season of Devils Circuit with renewed zeal and gusto, showcasing the Epic New Swift. We hope to satiate the thrill seekers, rightly called the ‘Devilslayers’, yet again with their enormous appetite for adventure. The Maruti Suzuki Swift, with its agility and performance, embodies the contestants’ tenacity and high energy to overcome challenging obstacles. We believe that this collaboration underscores our shared value of striving for excellence.”

    Apart from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Red Bull, Bisleri, Page Industries (Jockey), Adani Realty, Raheja Developers, & Omaxe are brands that have come on board to collaborate with the property.
     

  • Hyundai Motor India collaborates with Red Bull for ‘Urban-Downhill’

    Hyundai Motor India collaborates with Red Bull for ‘Urban-Downhill’

    Mumbai: Hyundai Motor India announced an exciting and adrenaline packed collaboration with Red Bull for the inaugural Red Bull Urban Downhill. Red Bull Urban downhill is a high-speed mountain biking event wherein athletes engage in a downhill adventure course with various obstacles and high jump ramps along the course. The event is set to take place in Aizwal, Mizoram, in March 2024. This marks the first collaboration between Hyundai Motor India and Red Bull in India, bringing together the dynamic worlds of automotive innovation and extreme sports.

    Commenting on the announcement, Hyundai Motor India AVP & vertical head, marketing, Virat Khullar said, “This association is the perfect amalgamation of Hyundai Motor India’s outdoorsy spirit with Red Bull’s energetic spirit. This partnership aligns with a common cohort that is enthusiastic, fun loving and outgoing. On a path to creating benchmarks with a new age audience, I am confident that ‘Urban-Downhill’ will mark a new chapter in our exciting journey.”

    Renowned as one of the elite performers in the mountain bike 4X discipline, Red Bull Athlete Tomáš Slavík boasts a string of world titles that affirm his status among the cycling elite. Sharing his excitement about the groundbreaking urban downhill project in Aizwal, Slavík said, “I am thrilled to have been part of the first-of-its-kind urban downhill project in Aizwal. Exploring challenging routes and breathtaking views during my time there was truly exhilarating. The content is tailor-made for the Indian audience, igniting the spirit of adventure and undoubtedly inspiring young bikers. I eagerly anticipate the response to this video.”

    Smriti Mandhana, the left-handed batswoman living the dreams of every young Indian, applauds the collaboration between two of her favourite brands, Red Bull and Hyundai. Witnessing Tomas effortlessly executing tricks during his downhill descent, she said, “The collaboration between Hyundai and Red Bull marks an exciting journey into the world of adventure. I am thrilled to see the incredible feats captured in the documentary, showcasing how Tomas Slavík’s skills seamlessly blend with the spirit of adventure. It highlights the prowess of both brands in pushing the boundaries of exploration.” Hailing from the Sangli district in Maharashtra, this Red Bull Athlete, like most youngsters in India, grew up dreaming of donning the country’s cricket colours.

    Red Bull Urban Downhill, an extreme mountain biking sport, is an event that has been organised across various countries and has garnered high engagement from audiences across the globe with majority engagement coming from India on digital platforms for the event. Recognizing the growing fan base for mountain biking, especially in the Northeast region of India, Hyundai and Red Bull are excited to introduce this thrilling sport to Indian enthusiasts. The event, titled “Red Bull Urban Downhill Tlang Ruam, Aizwal,” aims to act as a catalyst for the sport’s growth in India.

    Hyundai and Red Bull’s commitment to nurture the local interest in extreme sports is evident through the engaging content created in collaboration with Tomas Slavik, a celebrated mountain biking professional and a UCI 4X World Champion. Thomas recently visited India and created an engaging documentary. An engaging companion on this journey for Thomas was Hyundai’s Venue N Line which brings together the perfect balance of motorsport inspired styling and technology that add thrill to every drive. The documentary along with action clips will be shared on various social media platforms to generate excitement leading up to the Red Bull Urban Downhill Tlang Ruam, Aizwal slated to happen in March 2024.