Xperience Sessions With Indie Artist Akhil OSO
RJ Rohit caught up with Indie artist, Akhil OSO about his new Independence day anthem, ‘Simon Go Back’.
The Bengaluru-based rapper Akhil Chandrashekar, known as Akhil OSO, has captured the attention of over 70,000 Instagram followers, mostly young millennials and Gen Zs, with his infectious and upbeat tracks. However, there’s a new side to Akhil that his fans might not yet know: his profound patriotism. This aspect was revealed in his new track, ‘Simon Go Back’ which was released on 13th August. The music video for the track opens with a compelling scene: Akhil standing on a beach in Udupi, with the rhythmic crashing of waves forming a dramatic backdrop to his powerful lyrics.
The opening lines, “They came down, Free trade, True agenda, They need slaves, With their guns, Our shields break, No child on the streets, Or the sea safe,” set a tone of raw emotion and historical reckoning.
The lyrics reference the arrival of the British East India Company in India through port cities for trade, which eventually led to colonization. The title ‘Simon Go Back’ and the beach setting are symbolic representations of this historical context.
Akhil said that he wanted to create a full-circle moment by sending Simon back to the sea, symbolizing the British leaving India.
“The song is a tribute to our hard-fought freedom,” he added.
From a young age, Akhil’s profound patriotism was shaped by the tales of struggle and resilience shared within his family. A relative on his mother’s side was one of the few who survived the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a story that has been passed down through the generations.
His mother’s family, originally from Amritsar, lived through the brutal realities of British colonialism. They were forced to flee their home after British attacks destroyed it, moving from city to city before eventually settling in Bangalore many generations later. Akhil’s Tamilian father also played a significant role in nurturing his deep sense of national pride.
A pivotal moment in Akhil’s journey occurred in 2015 when he encountered Shashi Tharoor’s viral speech at the Oxford Union. In a debate about Britain’s responsibility to its former colonies, Tharoor highlighted how British colonial rule had severely harmed the Indian economy. His impactful words struck a chord with many Indians, including Akhil. While the song’s lyrics address historical injustices, Akhil’s message of patriotism is focused on the future.
RJ Rohit had a conversation with rapper, Akhil OSO about his new Independence day track ‘Simon Go Back’ and more. Check it out.
–Silviya.Y
