IIFA CONNEX, Edition 3, Moderator & Panelist, Tarsame Mittal commented, “ It was a pleasure to be part of IIFA Connex Edition 3 and contribute to a conversation that is so relevant to where the music industry stands today. IIFA Connex has created a unique platform that brings together artists, industry leaders and innovators to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives and explore what lies ahead. As music continues to evolve, these conversations are essential in helping shape the future of the industry.”
Ramprasad Sundar, Head of Music Partnerships, Artist & Label Relations – India, YouTube, commented , “Music today is more dynamic, democratic, and global than ever before. At YouTube, we’ve seen how emerging artists, and established musicians alike are building thriving communities and shaping culture through the power of video and music. In a landscape where regional and independent Indian artists are commanding global attention, YouTube provides the runway for musicians to turn immediate scale into lifelong, sustainable careers. From multi-format visual storytelling to cutting-edge creative tech, our focus is on building an ecosystem where authenticity thrives.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to explore how artists, audiences, and technology are influencing one another, creating new pathways for discovery, engagement, and success. The future of music will be defined by those who embrace innovation while staying authentic to their creative voice. I’m excited to join IIFA Connex to discuss how technology and fearless creative expression are propelling India’s unique sonic identity onto the global stage.”
Global Star Nora Fatehi commented, “It was truly exciting to be part of IIFA Connex Edition 3 and contribute to a conversation that is so relevant to where the music industry stands today. IIFA has always celebrated talent, creativity and cultural exchange on a global stage and IIFA Connex creates a valuable space for conversations that shape the future of our industry. The New Rules of Music is a theme that resonates deeply with me because artists today have more opportunities than ever before to connect directly with audiences, embrace new technologies and create without boundaries. That has always been an important part of my own journey as an artist, exploring different spaces, cultures and forms of expression. What excites me most is seeing music transcend borders, languages and cultures, something I’ve experienced first-hand through my own journey as an artist, creating opportunities for artists to reach global audiences like never before. Conversations like these are important because they help us understand where the industry is headed and how we can continue empowering the next generation of talent.”
The King of Entertainment Mika Singh shared , “IIFA has been a very special part of my journey over the years. There is something incredibly powerful about being part of a platform that celebrates Indian entertainment not just in India, but across the world. IIFA Connex takes that spirit a step further by creating a space for artists and the industry to come together, exchange ideas and talk honestly about where we are headed. The New Rules of Music is such a relevant conversation because everything around us is changing, how music is made, how it reaches people, how artists build their audiences and even how a song can travel across borders overnight. But for me, music will always be about connecting with people. Technology can change the way we reach an audience, but the emotion behind a song, the artist’s voice and the story we want to tell will always be at the heart of it. I’m happy to be part of a conversation that celebrates that evolution while reminding us why we fell in love with music in the first place.”
Global Hip-Hop Trailblazer Raja Kumari added , “It’s always a pleasure to be part of the IIFA family. IIFA has consistently celebrated Indian talent on a truly global stage, and IIFA Connex is an exciting extension of that vision, creating conversations that look beyond where the industry is today and ask where it is going next. ‘The New Rules of Music’ was an incredibly relevant conversation because artists today are navigating a world where the traditional rules are constantly being rewritten. We have more freedom to create, collaborate and connect with audiences across borders, but we are also living in an environment where algorithms, data and virality can influence what gets heard. For me, the most exciting part is finding the balance between innovation and authenticity, staying rooted in who you are while being fearless enough to experiment and evolve. Indian music has an extraordinary opportunity to shape the global soundscape, and I’m proud to be part of conversations like IIFA Connex that bring artists and industry voices together to imagine what that future can look like.”
Speaking on the occasion, Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, expressed the vision behind the initiative, saying, “ For many years, I have felt there was a need for a space within our industry that goes beyond red carpets, formalities and commercial agendas, a space where people can genuinely come together to connect, exchange ideas, discover new perspectives and simply enjoy meaningful conversation in a relaxed and inspiring environment. With IIFA Connex, that vision begins to take shape. It is designed as a contemporary meeting ground for the creative community, where entertainment, fashion, media, business, music, culture and innovation naturally intersect. A place where established voices and emerging talent alike can engage openly, collaborate organically and build relationships that may inspire the future.
The idea is not to create another industry event, but rather to curate an atmosphere and community people genuinely want to be part of, one that encourages thought, creativity, networking and cultural exchange without pressure or pretence. Somewhere conversations can flow as naturally as the environment itself. IIFA has always believed in building bridges through cinema and culture, and IIFA Connex is an extension of that philosophy in a more intimate, progressive and contemporary format. We want it to evolve into a recurring hub for creative thinking, collaboration and connection across industries, while still feeling warm, enjoyable, relaxed and socially engaging for everyone who walks into the room.”