Sing, bond, repeat: Hyderabad’s jam sessions hit all the right notes

In Hyderabad, casual jam sessions are turning into a new way for people to connect. What once began as small circles of friends singing together has grown into lively gatherings where strangers bond over familiar tunes, shared memories, and the joy of letting their voices blend with the crowd. These sing-along evenings are less about the spotlight and more about the experience — music as a bridge that brings people closer.

Everyone’s a singer at heart
At the core of these gatherings is inclusivity. “You don’t need to be a professional musician to enjoy it. Around 90 to 95% of our jamming crowd aren’t musicians at all. You don’t have to be an artiste to appreciate art,” says Vishwas Prakash, founder of the jamming community Do With Lit. “Singing is relaxing and freeing. It doesn’t matter how you sound. It’s about feeling lighter and leaving with a smile,” he adds.

Music, memories and a city’s energy
Ajay Varghese, founder of Soul Jams, a multi-city jamming community with a Hyderabad chapter says the city’s audiences bring a unique charm. “People here love singing everything from Telugu hits like Butta Bomma to Hindi classics like Aaj Kal Zindagi. It’s that shared nostalgia that binds the room. It’s not just about lyrics and melody, but the collective memory that each song evokes,” he notes.

Safe spaces for self-expression
These sessions are also helping people discover new sides of themselves. For software engineer Utkarsh Dwivedi, who was initially an attendee but has now transitioned into a regular performer, the jams became a creative outlet. “They create a space where people can be themselves without judgment and just sing. I discovered my artistic side through these sessions. I’ve become more open to experimenting with new musical styles,” he says.

Beyond the playlist: Spotlighting hidden talent

While the crowd may come in for their favourite tunes, there’s more to the experience. “We start with a high-energy 40-minute dance to warm everyone up. We even hand out flowers to keep the vibe alive,” shares Solvendhran, co-founder of jamming group Lea 360. But he says the gatherings aim to do more than just revisit popular numbers. “While big names dominate the charts, there’s so much talent in regional music that remains unheard. We try to bring those hidden gems to the forefront. These sessions often give participants the chance to discover new music and new artistes alongside their favourite nostalgic tracks,” he says.

From strangers to singing circles
For many participants, the sessions have become more than musical events, they’re personal milestones. Chartered Accountant Moulika P, who stumbled into her first jam session, now rarely misses one. “At one event, we even booked 25 tickets for our friends. That was the best time we had together,” she says. Whether it’s through curated themes or spontaneous singalongs, the sense of community is palpable. “When we sing out loud to our favourite lyrics, surrounded by people who share our passion, it’s pure happiness. It recharges us for the week ahead,” she says.
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