Chennai’s Heartbeat on Stage: Music, Food & Unity at Made of Chennai

The heart of Chennai beat louder and brighter on Saturday as the Made of Chennai Food and Music Festival kicked off its first day with a spectacular celebration of sound, flavor, and community. Held at YMCA Nandanam, the festival drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 16,000 attendees, transforming the grounds into a vibrant mosaic of music and culinary delights.

 

A Sonic Tapestry: Gaana, Folk, Rap & Cinema

The musical lineup was a tribute to Chennai’s rich and diverse soundscape. The evening began with DJ Suman and Johnny Beats, whose pulsating rhythms set the tone for an unforgettable night. The spotlight then shifted to Gana Balachandar, whose performance was both a tribute to the streets of Chennai and a personal milestone. “We have performed on many small stages. All of that has led us here, to the Made of Chennai stage, which is an experience to remember,” Balachandar shared moments before stepping on stage.

 

Following him, the crowd was treated to an electrifying set by Anthony Daasan, who delivered over 40 folk songs with his signature energy and charisma. His performance was a celebration of Tamil folk traditions, and he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience: “It is heartening to see all kinds of music celebrated here, instead of focusing on just one,” Daasan said.

 

The night reached its crescendo with Pradeep Kumar, whose soulful renditions of 20 cinematic melodies had the audience singing and swaying in unison. His set was a masterclass in musical storytelling, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.

 

A Culinary Carnival

While music filled the air, the festival grounds were equally alive with the aromas of Chennai’s culinary heritage. Nearly 40 food stalls offered a dizzying array of options—from traditional biriyani and sundal, to trendy kombucha, Mexican wraps, and fusion desserts. Curated by Annam by Shabnam, the food section was a gastronomic journey that mirrored the city’s evolving palate.

 

Festival-goers like Navya and Akshaya, second-year college students, found themselves immersed in discovery. “We came to listen to Pradeep Kumar, but ended up discovering so much new music and food along the way,” they said, echoing the sentiment of many who found the event to be a gateway to new experiences.

 

Community, Culture, and Collaboration

The festival is more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration of Chennai’s identity. Organized by The Hindu Group in partnership with Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Greater Chennai Corporation, and other civic bodies, the event is a testament to what collaboration between public and private entities can achieve.

 

Corporate sponsors like Casagrand and SRM powered the event, while Tata Tea Chakra Gold, Tata Coffee, and Orchids International School lent their support as associate partners. The festival also had backing from Apollo Hospitals, ACTC, and Sight Media, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for all attendees.

 

Radio partners Big FM, Fever FM, and Radio One amplified the buzz, while social media lit up with live updates, reels, and stories from attendees sharing their favorite moments.

 

What’s Next: Day 2 Line-Up

If Day 1 was a celebration of Chennai’s musical roots, Day 2 promises to push the boundaries even further. The lineup includes:

With such a diverse roster, Day 2 is poised to be a sonic explosion that continues to honor Chennai’s cultural legacy while embracing its modern spirit.

 

Final Thoughts

The Made of Chennai Food and Music Festival is not just an event—it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming public spaces, celebrating local talent, and reminding everyone that Chennai is not just made of buildings and roads, but of stories, songs, spices, and soul.

 

Whether you came for the gaana beats, the biriyani, or the sense of belonging, Day 1 proved that Chennai is truly Made of Music, Made of Flavor, Made of Heart.

 

Sources: The Hindu, YouTube, Utsav Portal