BombayMami burst into the Indian music scene with just a teaser for her music video, Fire in Delhi. Her onstage persona thrives on bringing her art and activism together. Young and defiant, sassy yet serious, she employs wordplay and wit to empower women. In the video for this song, she boldly goes for a run in the Swiss Alps, wearing a traditional Indian lehenga that turned heads as she defied societal norms. This striking scene made a powerful statement about women’s empowerment. The song is a feisty, spunky anthem filled with femininity, encouraging women to take charge and challenge conventions.
BombayMami grew up in Switzerland as a SwissIndian, balancing two different worlds—one deeply rooted in Indian traditions, music, and values, and the other shaped by European culture. ‘At home, my parents kept our Indian heritage alive through food and music, but outside, I navigated a completely different environment. It wasn’t always easy to reconcile the two, but over time, I embraced both sides of my identity and learned how to fuse them into my art.’
Her moniker is understandably inspired by the vibrant energy of Bombay. ‘The name came about in a very organic way, but it resonated with me instantly. ‘Bombay’ represents the energy, culture, and deep connection I have with my Indian roots—I just love spending time in Bombay and India in general. ‘Mami’ adds a personal, intimate touch, making the name feel both powerful and playful.’ More from her below.
Cultural Paradox
Having two cultural identities is both a blessing and a challenge. It means I can pull from two rich, diverse worlds, but it also means I’ve had to carve out my own space where both can coexist. My culture is at the core of my music and aesthetic—I take elements from both Swiss and Indian traditions and weave them into my work. It allows me to tell stories that feel deeply personal but also resonate with a wider audience.
Being You
Empowerment—especially for women and the LGBTQIA+ community—has always been important to me. I grew up surrounded by strong women and queer individuals in my family, but I also witnessed the struggles they faced, particularly within cultural expectations. My music, visuals, and even my brand, SHAVA, are all about celebrating women and the queer community who own their power, their sensuality, and their voice. I want to create a space where everyone feels seen, a safe space where they can be confident and unapologetically themselves.
Creative Process
I like to set a mood in the studio—candles, warm lights and of course my team. It has to feel intimate. Sometimes I start with a melody, other times with a beat, but I always let the music guide me. I freestyle a lot; I like to let emotions flow naturally before fine-tuning anything. A studio session can go from deep introspection to a full-on jam session where I’m dancing around. The best moments come when I stop overthinking and just feel the music.
New Music
Right now, I’m working on a project that feels like my most personal and powerful work yet. My next release Ozzband is a song that is again inspired by a Bollywood song. I can give you a hint, 'Dil to pagal hai'—which is a feature with an amazing Nigerian US based artist called Manny Wellz (who everybody should check out) who is a dear friend of mine.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 17-10-2025
This article is from the April EZ. Catch up with the EZ here.