American rapper Pitbull to tour India in December

With two performances lined up in Gurugram (December 6 at HUDA Grounds) and Hyderabad (December 8 at Ramoji Film City), produced by BookMyShow Live, Pitbull, one of the most recognised names in the global music scene, is all set to step onto the bandwagon that’s India’s new concert economy. However, his first visit to India was in 2011, during which he performed in Noida, Mumbai and Pune.

“It’s truly an honour to perform back in India. We look forward to bringing the party back. Touring the globe continues to show fans around the world that music is the universal language that unites genres, Daleee!,” said Pitbull in a statement released. He is best known for songs such as Give Me Everything, Timber and Fireball.

Born to Cuban immigrant parents, with family members who fought the Castro regime’s authoritarian rule in Cuba, Pitbull grew up in a home affected by addiction. At school, his teacher introduced him to poetry and the power that words could hold. By the time he was a teenager, he could freestyle very well. Inspired by Miami rapper Luke, also called Uncle Luke, and Atlanta hip-hop duo Outkast, Pitbull began to rap. His parents separated when he was very young, and he, too, struggled with substance abuse and dealing in drugs. As a punishment, his mother asked him to leave the house and the musician then lived on the streets, with music becoming his way out. He could rap in Latin and smoothly shifted to English – the bilingual style setting him apart.

ALSO READ | Priya Sachdev performs puja for ‘protection and peace’ amid legal battle with Karisma Kapoor’s kids, remembers Sunjay Kapur: ‘Carrying your legacy forward’

With Miami being a tapestry of cultures, Pitbull exposure to various traditions also informed his music. He featured on Luke’s album Something Nasty. He soon met Robert Fernandez of Famous Artist Music & Management, who introduced him to crunk guy Lil John, resulting in a song – Pitbull’s Cuban Ride Out – on his album, which was Pitbull’s big breakthrough piece in 2002. Soon enough, Pitbull was merging various global genres to emerge as one of hip-hop world’s biggest stars. And he didn’t care about genre or merging anything he liked.

Even after spending two decades in the industry, Pitbull continues to redefine his work. His seventh studio album was called Global Warming, while the 10th in 2017 was called Climate Change. He also spoke about clean water initiatives at the UN in 2018 on World Water Day. In YEAR, he started SLAM! (Sports Leadership and Management) tuition-free charter schools in Miami, which provide youth with academic and athletic opportunities, helping in education and community development.

His recent tour began after the musician’s 2024 collaboration with rock icon Bon Jovi. Titled Now or Never, it was a remix of his famed It’s My Life (2000), which was unveiled at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Miami.

“For years, Pitbull’s music has been the soundtrack for celebrations around the world and it’s incredible to see fans of all ages still dancing to his hits… Pitbull’s arrival marks a major milestone in that journey. His music transcends borders, it’s energetic, unifying and built for the live experience. This December, we’re bringing that energy to India, giving fans a chance to truly feel this moment,” said Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow, in a statement.

From the homepage

India, US start drafting trade deal; US delegation likely to visit India: Official

Ramesh and Ramesh — two friends on board Kurnool bus, only one survived

‘Lip service’: Jaishankar calls out UN as Pak shields Lashkar proxy linked to Pahalgam attack