Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Prasoon Joshi, Sherley Singh and others launched "Goongoonalo" - India's first "for-the-artiste,by-the-artiste-owned Cultural App"! by Chaitanya Padukone

"Goongoonalo" is India's first artiste-owned cultural app, launched at a star-studded event in Mumbai The app is designed for artists by artists, providing a platform for music, poetry, storytelling, and other creative expressions.

The app was launched by over 27 renowned music-centric artists, including Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sonu Nigam It aims to give artists creative freedom without the constraints of producers or music companies.

"Goongoonalo" offers a range of features such as original content, unreleased classics, mentorship sessions, masterclasses, jam sessions, open mics, and direct fan interactions, allowing artists to connect directly with their audience

Founding members include notable figures like Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, and Prasoon Joshi The app was developed by technology expert Sridhar Ranganathan, with Sherley Singh as CEO.

The platform is unique in that it allows artists to own their songs and share in the revenue generated This model empowers artists to maintain control over their creative work.

Artists expressed their excitement about the platform, highlighting the freedom it offers to explore and express their own ideas without external pressures

"Goongoonalo" aims to introduce new talents and provide exposure to emerging singers, lyricists, and composers, fostering a collaborative and supportive community

Upcoming features include "Goongoonalo Originals" with a special song by Shreya Ghoshal, and workshops with artists like Arijit Singh and Salim-Sulaiman The 'Fanverse' feature will engage fans in designing merchandise, crowdfunding, and virtual meetups.

The platform is seen as a new digital form of India's cultural soul, offering unique collaborations and opportunities for cross-genre partnerships among artists

"Goongoonalo" is positioned as a historic initiative that will inspire and empower the next generation of artists, providing them with the tools and freedom to realize their creative dreams