Decoding the legacy of Penn Masala—The World’s First South Asian A Cappella Group - Admerasia: Multicultural Advertising & Marketing Agency

From performing for President Obama to making a cameo appearance in Pitch Perfect 2, Penn Masala has pretty much done it all. The first ever group to bring the sounds of the Indian subcontinent to a cappella, Penn Masala creates music that traverses traditional cultural boundaries.

Founded in 1996 by four University of Pennsylvania students, Penn Masala has ever since been at the forefront of South Asian-Western fusion. A fusion that captures the essence of growing up with Indian and Western cultural influences and seamlessly integrates Western pop and Eastern melodies. Members join the group when they enroll into UPenn and become proud Penn Masala alumni when they graduate; making way for newer members to join.

Here’s taking you on a melodious journey of through some of their most iconic moments, lauded works, and celebrated performances.

Evolution of Bollywood Music – Penn Masala

This viral sensation that encapsulates the evolution of Bollywood music from 1940 to 2014 skyrocketed Penn Masala’s already rising popularity in India. They went on to perform this very medley at the IIFA awards—one of Bollywood’s biggest yearly award functions.

Pitch Perfect 2 – Any Way You Want It feat. Penn Masala

The group that earned its reputation through the music of Bollywood, made it to the big screens of Hollywood with this feature in Pitch Perfect 2.

Agar Tum Saath Ho / Treat You Better

The first single in Penn Masala’s 10th studio album, Yuva, combines the brilliance of Shawn Mendes and A.R. Rahman to create this magical eargasm.

Performing at The White House for President Obama

#EnoughSaid

We hope you liked this list as much as we do. And if you do, you can head over to Penn Masala’s YouTube channel to check out their extensive body of work and give them a subscribe.

Written by Rohan Grover
Copywriter (English Division)

(Top Video)
Viva La Vida / Jashn-e-Bahara
This beautiful mash-up featuring Coldplay’s Grammy-winning Viva La Vida and AR Rahman’s IIFA winning Jashn-e-Bahara is one of Penn Masala’s most iconic mash-ups and the defining melody of their 2010 International Tour where the group performed in various cities in India, England, Canada, as well as throughout the United States.