"Dhoop," the latest single by Auckland-based singer-songwriter Avish, is released today, with its music video premiering on Sunday, 2nd February on his YouTube channel. Remarkably, it may be the first Hindi-language song to receive funding from NZ On Air under their "New Music Single" funding round, making this a groundbreaking moment for diversity in New Zealand's music scene.
Avish was both delighted and surprised to learn his song had been selected. Having submitted his demo with no real expectations, he had almost forgotten about it until a fellow musician spotted NZ On Air's announcement on social media and informed him of the news. Beyond the typical self-doubt many creatives face, Avish was unsure if a song with Hindi lyrics could ever be recognized as "New Zealand music." Growing up in New Zealand, he rarely saw musicians with ethnic backgrounds other than European, Māori, or Pasifika featured on mainstream platforms.
While inspired by artists like Aradhna, who shares Indian roots but primarily creates music in English, Avish always questioned whether songs in Hindi could find a place within New Zealand's music industry. “I never thought NZ On Air would consider a song in a foreign language as eligible for their funding,” Avish shared. “This funding has shattered those doubts for me. It feels empowering and inclusive—like a sign that there’s space for everyone, regardless of their cultural or creative background.”
"Dhoop," which translates to "sunlight" in Hindi, is a poetic exploration of personal transformation and self-discovery. Its uplifting blend of folk and electronic elements creates an emotional soundscape, with lyrics that reflect the journey toward resilience and renewal. A key moment in the song reveals the realization:
"I saw that this world exists beyond the clouds
tearing through the sky, I flew ahead
leaving behind the moon I realised
those stars were never the destination,
they were the decoration along the way."
The accompanying music video, shot across breathtaking New Zealand landscapes, visually echoes the song’s themes of transformation. Directed by a talented local crew, the video moves from darker moments of introspection to expansive vistas, symbolising the shift from confinement to freedom that happens with self-realisation.
For Avish, "Dhoop" is a deeply personal milestone. “This song is about embracing every part of who you are and trusting in your journey,” he explained. “It’s a celebration of individuality and resilience, but also a reminder that music transcends language. Stories like mine belong in the New Zealand music landscape too is something that never really occurred to me before.”
The funding for "Dhoop" also marks a progressive step for NZ On Air, signaling an effort to embrace and support diverse voices in Aotearoa's creative scene. "This initiative makes me feel hopeful about the future of music in this country," Avish said. “It’s encouraging to see that our industry is opening up to new possibilities and allowing artists to share authentic stories in their own voices.”
"Dhoop" is available on all major streaming platforms today, with the music video premiering on Avish’s YouTube channel @avishsharmamusic this Sunday, 2nd February. Join Avish on this inspiring journey of light, hope, and self-discovery.