The 67th Grammy Awards have brought Indian-origin talent to the global forefront, with six artists representing Indian heritage on the world’s most prestigious music stage. With Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, Varijashree Venugopal, Radhika Vekaria, Chandrika Tandon, and Noshir Mody all securing nominations, India’s influence in music is undeniable. Here’s a closer look at each nominee and their Grammy journey.
Ricky Kej: Bengaluru’s Grammy Veteran
Ricky Kej, a renowned composer and environmentalist from Bengaluru, has been nominated in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for his album Break of Dawn. This marks Kej’s fourth Grammy nomination, with previous wins in 2015 for Winds of Samsara (in collaboration with Wouter Kellerman) and Divine Tides, a collaborative work with Stewart Copeland. Known for his dedication to environmental issues, Kej’s music often carries themes of nature and sustainability, making him an influential voice in both music and environmental advocacy.
Anoushka Shankar: Continuing Her Legacy
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, has received two Grammy nominations this year. Her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn is nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. Additionally, she earned a nod in the Best Global Music Performance category for her collaboration on British musician Jacob Collier’s song A Rock Somewhere. Shankar’s deep connection to the Grammys dates back to 2006, when she became the first Indian to perform at the event. Over the years, she has been nominated nine times, blending classical and contemporary styles and making her a significant figure in the global music landscape.
Radhika Vekaria: Championing Spiritual Music
Indian-origin British artist Radhika Vekaria is competing in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category with her album Warriors of Light. This spiritual album showcases Vekaria’s vocal prowess in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, and English. Based in Los Angeles, Vekaria’s music journey began with her debut album Sapta: The Seven Ways in 2020. With a heritage rooted in classical Indian music, Vekaria’s music is a tribute to her ancestors and reflects her cross-cultural upbringing.
Chandrika Tandon: A Musical and Business Mogul
Chandrika Tandon, a noted entrepreneur and artist, is also nominated in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for her work on Triveni, created in collaboration with flutist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Éru Matsumoto. Tandon, who grew up in Chennai and is the elder sister of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, made waves with her 2010 Grammy-nominated album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call. Known for her dedication to classical Indian music, Tandon continues to captivate audiences with her fusion of spiritual and melodic compositions.
Varijashree Venugopal: A Rising Star in Global Music
Bengaluru-based vocalist, flautist, and composer Varijashree Venugopal received her first Grammy nomination alongside Anoushka Shankar in the Best Global Music Performance category for A Rock Somewhere. Known for her versatility and talent in both classical and contemporary music, Venugopal has previously collaborated with Ricky Kej, contributing her voice and musicality to his album Break of Dawn. Her nomination marks a milestone for her career and showcases the rich musical talent emerging from India.
Noshir Mody: Jazz Guitarist with a Global Impact
Mumbai-born guitarist Noshir Mody, who moved to the United States at age 22, has received his first Grammy nomination in the Best Global Music Performance category. He collaborated with Masa Takumi, Ron Korb, and Dale Edward Chung on the song Kashira. A self-taught musician, Mody immersed himself in New York City’s jazz scene, honing his skills and making a name for himself in the genre. His nomination highlights the unique blend of jazz and Indian sensibilities that he brings to his work.
The Grammy Awards 2025: A Night of Celebration
The 67th Grammy Awards, scheduled to be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025, will be a significant night for these six Indian-origin artists. Their nominations underscore the growing impact of Indian talent in global music, blending traditional and modern sounds that resonate across cultures. From spiritual compositions to jazz-infused collaborations, these artists are not only representing India on the world stage but also redefining global music narratives with their unique cultural perspectives.
As the Grammys approach, fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting the results, hopeful that these talented individuals will bring home the coveted gramophone, adding another chapter to India’s storied legacy in music.