Indian musicians Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar have made their mark once again on the global stage, earning prestigious nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The announcements, made by the Recording Academy on Friday, have spotlighted both artists for their contributions to the world of music, further solidifying India’s presence in the international music scene.
Ricky Kej, a renowned environmentalist and composer, has been nominated for the fourth time for his album Break of Dawn in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. Kej is no stranger to Grammy success, having won the prestigious award three times before. His previous wins include Winds of Samsara in 2015, which earned him a Grammy in the Best New Age category, and Divine Tides in 2022, a collaboration with former Police drummer Stewart Copeland, which won two Grammy Awards. In 2023, Kej and Copeland were honored once again, this time for Divine Tides, which won the Best Immersive Audio Album award. His consistent success at the Grammys has established him as a key figure in the world of New Age and ambient music, with Break of Dawn showcasing his signature blend of nature-inspired sounds and global musical influences.
The Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for this year is a highly competitive one. Alongside Kej’s Break of Dawn, the category also features the album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn by renowned sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar. Shankar, known for her mastery of the sitar and her fusion of classical Indian music with contemporary genres, has been nominated for the second time in this prestigious category. Her album, which explores deep emotional and spiritual themes, has been praised for its innovative approach and rich musical textures.
In addition to her nomination for Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, Anoushka Shankar has earned another nomination in the Best Global Music Performance category for her featured role on the song A Rock Somewhere, a track by Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier. The song also features the vocals of Varijashree Venugopal, who received her first-ever Grammy nomination. This nomination for A Rock Somewhere highlights the growing global influence of Indian artists in the world music genre, where collaborations across cultures and musical traditions are increasingly common.
Other notable nominees in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category include Warriors of Light by Indian-born musician Radhika Vekaria and Triveni by Chandrika Tandon, an entrepreneur and musician who collaborated with renowned flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto. Tandon’s album, which blends Indian classical music with Western instruments, has garnered significant attention for its unique fusion and artistic vision.
More Read
The nominations for Kej and Shankar come at a time when the global music industry is increasingly acknowledging the influence of Indian musicians. Both artists have made significant strides in blending traditional Indian sounds with contemporary music, expanding their audiences and making meaningful contributions to the global music landscape.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where artists from around the world will gather to celebrate their achievements in various categories. As the nominations are finalized, the anticipation surrounding the awards ceremony continues to build, with fans and critics alike eager to see if Kej and Shankar can add to their already impressive Grammy legacies.
For both artists, these nominations are a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of music and their ability to connect with listeners on a global scale. With such talented individuals representing India on the world stage, the future of Indian music at the Grammys looks brighter than ever.
