Calgary, AB

Experimental hip-hop duo Cartel Madras is comprised of sisters Eboshi and Contra. Born in Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and raised in Calgary, Canada, their music is a cultural syncretism: an experimental mix of house, trap, and punk. Known for their explosive and aggressive live performances, Cartel Madras channel the energy of underground queer and punk scenes into a sound that is both confrontational and playful.

After being A&R scouted during their first performance at Sled Island, they were signed to Sub Pop Records and have since released three EPs, building a reputation for bold, genre-bending work and striking visual worlds. They have opened for major international acts including M.I.A., JPEGMAFIA, Jack Harlow, Wu-Tang Clan, clipping., and Mac DeMarco, and previously toured with Sudan Archives. In 2023 they performed in India opening for M.I.A., marking a significant return to the country of their birth. Alongside their music, the duo produce and direct many of their own visuals, extending their artistic practice into film and visual storytelling. They are currently working on their debut full-length album, set to be released on Sub Pop Records in 2027.