Cover Keep your eyes out for these Asian stars at Coachella 2022 (Photo: Epik High; @blobyblo/Instagram)

Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Coachella will finally return in April 2022, with Epik High, Peggy Gou and more Asian superstars gracing this year’s lineup

Music lovers across the world rejoice: Coachella is back. After two years of postponements and cancellations due to the pandemic, the legendary Indio music festival is all set to make its triumphant return this April for two weekends: April 15-17 and April 22-24.

After much waiting and anticipation, organisers have finally unveiled the full 2022 lineup, with some of the music industry’s biggest names tapped to headline the event—including Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Ye (formerly known as Kanye West).

And just like the last Coachella we had in 2019, which featured an impressively diverse mix of acts such as K-pop mega girl group Blackpink, singer J Balvin from Colombia and the iconic electro-pop band Perfume from Japan, this year’s festival will continue to delight audiences with performances from talents of different genres, with more Asian acts being recognised and invited to perform at the festival.

Keep reading for the top 10 Asian artists worthy of all the attention at Coachella 2022.  

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1. Peggy Gou

Tatler Asia’s Most Stylish 2020 honouree—top South Korean DJ Peggy Gou—is going to excite the Coachella crowd with her infectious electronic dance and electro house music. This year will mark the artist’s second performance at the festival.

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2. Epik High

Epik High makes history as the first Korean group to perform at Coachella for the second time, after their first appearance in 2016. The wildly popular hip-hop trio, which comprises Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz is set to release a new album before attending the festival.  

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3. Niki

Indonesian singer-songwriter Niki is making her Coachella debut, who will be performing on April 15 and 22, the same day as headliners Harry Styles, Daniel Caesar, and Phoebe Bridgers. Along with fellow rapper Rich Brian, Niki will be the first Indonesian artist to perform at the festival. Known for her soulful R&B tracks, the young talent will get the audience moving with hit songs including her latest single Split

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4. Rich Brian

Brian Imanuel Soewarno, better known by his stage name Rich Brian, is another noteworthy Indonesian artist who will be gracing this year’s Coachella. His recent releases include a single titled California, in which he collaborated with fellow Indonesian stars Niki and Warren Hue, and several tracks in the OST album for Marvel Studio’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

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5. Joji

Weaving between R&B, lo-fi and trip-hop, Japanese-Australian singer Joji is ready to make a major splash at Coachella. To get a better idea of his impressive repertoire, we recommend listening to his popular tracks including Slow Dancing in the Dark, Yeah Right and Gimme Love

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6. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, princess of Japan’s kawaii and decora culture, is bringing her unique twist on J-pop to Coachella, in which festival-goers will enjoy vibrant performances featuring uplifting songs and eye-catching outfits.  

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7. Japanese Breakfast

Japanese Breakfast—an indie band headed by singer-songwriter Michelle Zauner—provides all the soul-soothing tunes you need to feel at ease. With a knack for combining indie rock and experimental pop, the band’s tracks are ethereal and introspective that will make you groove.

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8. Arooj Aftab

Arooj Aftab is making history as the first Pakistani artist to perform at Coachella. Previously nominated for Best New Artist and Best Global Music Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, Arooj is admired for her smooth vocals and unique Sufi music inspired by Islamic poetry.

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9. The Hu

For the first time in the history of the festival, Mongolia will be represented with heavy metal band, The Hu in attendance. With their powerful music and phenomenal stage presence, the band will definitely hype their followers and gain new fans from around the globe.  

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10. Beabadoobee

Rounding up our list is Beabadoobee—the rising Filipino-British singer Beatrice Laus who goes by stage name Beabadoobee. Her beautifully composed guitar-driven tracks are impossible to ignore and a single listen to her work is guaranteed to get you hooked on her ethereal vocals. 

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