British DJ and producer TroyBoi
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“It will always be a special year (2025) for me because it marks the release of Rootz — a project that means the world to me,” says British DJ, record producer, and musician Troy Henry, better known as TroyBoi.
It has been a month since the release of Rootz, his most personal and culturally significant EP to date — a five-track project that fuses his signature trap and bass sound with the melodic richness of Indian, Punjabi, house, and hip-hop influences. With a mother of Indian descent, TroyBoi grew up immersed in Indian culture — through food, films, and music — all of which find their way into this deeply personal record. “Rootz is a tribute to my Indian heritage, an exploration of dual identity, and a reflection of the sounds that shaped me as a child,” he says.
Rootz, the EP has five tracks
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
What sets Rootz apart is its cross-cultural collaborations with Indian and diaspora artistes. The track Kabhi samples the voice of Lata Mangeshkar from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, while Okay — a high-energy collaboration with celebrated bhangra artist Jazzy B — showcases a seamless fusion of global sounds. On Masala (featuring Amrit Maan), listeners are treated to a vibrant reimagining of contemporary Punjabi music, while Beggin’ sees him team up with Bombay Mami. The EP’s anchor track, Kamli, has TroyBoi going solo.
After a decade of artistic evolution, Rootz marks a homecoming of sorts. “My Indian heritage is a big part of who I am,” he reflects. “I’ve built a strong foundation with my sound, but now I wanted to go deeper — to connect to my roots and represent my culture in a way that feels authentic.”
Paying a tribute to his Indian roots
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The EP’s release, he says, was “less about relief and more about gratitude.” Seeing a project so close to his heart resonate globally has been deeply fulfilling. “It felt like lifting something off my chest. The love it’s received has been overwhelming in the best way,” he says.
His collaborations came together organically, driven by a shared cultural rhythm. “Working with Jazzy B, Amrit Maan, and Bombay Mami was seamless — they understood the energy and cultural depth I wanted to bring to Rootz. When everyone’s aligned, the process flows naturally and the music speaks for itself.”
Each track, he says, carries a piece of his story. Yet Kabhi remains closest to his heart, tied to memories of childhood and his mother. “I must have watched Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham more than 20 times with my mum,” he laughs. “It’s a film that reminds me of home — of family, music, and shared moments. Sampling Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was my way of honouring that part of my story.”
Excited to perform in India
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The process, however, was not easy. “Getting the Lata Mangeshkar sample cleared was challenging,” he admits. “Her voice is legendary, and rightly so — there are legal and cultural sensitivities around using something so iconic. It was a long, delicate process, but I was determined to do it the right way, out of deep respect for her legacy. When it was finally approved, it made the track even more special.”
As he prepares for his upcoming shows in November and December, TroyBoi is particularly excited to perform in India. “I love Mumbai — it’s such a vibrant city with a deep connection to music and film culture. But honestly, performing anywhere in India would be special. It feels like bringing the music back home.”
Published – October 30, 2025 08:02 am IST
