Indian artists Subhi and Natania collaborate with DJ Khaled and Cardi B for a song in SMURFS film

Higher Love seamlessly merges the vibrancy of South Asian sounds with contemporary global music trends, reflecting the growing international acclaim for Indian music.

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian music on the global stage, artists Subhi and Natania have collaborated with Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled and rap superstar Cardi B on Higher Love, the lead single from the soundtrack of Paramount Animation’s highly anticipated SMURFS movie.

This historic partnership marks a major milestone in South Asian representation in Western entertainment, featuring the first-ever Punjabi Indian song in a Hollywood animated film.

Higher Love seamlessly merges the vibrancy of South Asian sounds with contemporary global music trends, reflecting the growing international acclaim for Indian music. The track is produced by DESI TRILL, an innovative music label focused on Indian heritage, and is globally distributed by Universal Music Group. DESI TRILL aims to revolutionize the music landscape by blending Hip-Hop, R&B, and traditional South Asian influences.

This dynamic song is a creative reinterpretation of Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven Is A Place On Earth, featuring Natania’s English vocals alongside an all-Punjabi hook performed by singer-songwriter Subhi. The result is a unique fusion of mainstream hip-hop energy and rich South Asian musical elements. The song’s release coincides with the launch of the SMURFS movie trailer, which has already sparked excitement, especially with pop icon Rihanna lending her voice to Smurfette.

DJ Khaled states, “I’m excited to be a part of this iconic collaboration. Growing up I remember always watching the Smurfs. It feels like a full circle moment now having children of my own who watch the Smurfs as well, and I get to be a part of the soundtrack. I’m excited to work alongside Cardi B, Natania & Subhi on “Higher Love” for this monumental movie soundtrack. It’s inspiring and looking forward to sharing our music with the world”

Natania states, "Higher Love is magnetic energy about knowing and celebrating what you bring to the table, it’s self-belief and confidence in who you truly are and wanting to share that frequency with the world. I’m so excited to be a part of putting out something so joyful into the universe, representing my roots and my culture alongside such incredible artists.”

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Subhi states, "I’m incredibly grateful and beyond excited to be part of this global soundtrack alongside such amazing artists - DESI TRILL, Cardi B, DJ Khaled, & Natania. It’s an honor to bring my Punjabi roots to this celebratory track and represent my Indian heritage on such a big stage. Music is a universal language, and I can’t wait for the world to experience the energy and joy we’ve created together!"

Smurfs is slated for a theatrical release on July 18, 2025, promising a delightful mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling for audiences across the globe.