The nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards have been revealed, and South Asian-origin artists are making a significant impact on the global music scene. Among the distinguished nominees are ten talented individuals, including Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, and the versatile Varijashree Venugopal. These artists are now vying for the prestigious Grammy trophy, showcasing India’s rich musical legacy on the world stage. The Grammy Awards ceremony will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Anoushka Shankar
Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, has received two Grammy nominations for the 2025 awards. Her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn is nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album, and her collaboration with British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier on the track A Rock Somewhere is nominated for Best Global Music Performance. Anoushka, who became the first Indian to perform at the Grammys in 2006, now has over nine Grammy nominations to her name.
Arooj Aftab
After her historic Grammy win in 2022, where she became the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy, Arooj Aftab is back in the running for another prestigious award. She is nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category for her single Raat Ki Rani, a moody and evocative track that continues the themes of yearning and love present in her Grammy-winning song Mohabbat.
Chandrika Tandon
Entrepreneur and artist Chandrika Tandon has received a nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for Triveni, a collaborative album with flutist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Éru Matsumoto. Tandon, who was first nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for her album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call, has a classical music background and is also the older sister of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.
Four Tet (Kieran Hebden)
Four Tet, the London-born electronic music producer Kieran Hebden, has received nominations in both the Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Dance/Electronic Recording categories for his album Three and the single Loved. Known for his experimental style, Four Tet blends various genres, from jazzy elements to electronic beats, earning widespread appeal across diverse music lovers.
Jacob Collier
British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, a collaborator with Anoushka Shankar on A Rock Somewhere, is also in the running for Grammy honors in multiple categories. His work is known for its unique fusion of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, which has made him a rising star in the global music scene.
Norah Jones
American singer-songwriter Norah Jones, Anoushka Shankar’s equally talented sister, is also competing at the 2025 Grammys. Her album Visions is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The album blends Jones’ signature jazz and blues style with a fresh dynamic, offering a mix of laid-back tunes and vocal-driven tracks like the titular Visions.
Noshir Mody
Noshir Mody, a Mumbai-born self-taught guitarist, has earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance for his work on the song Kashira, performed with Masa Takumi, Ron Korb, and Dale Edward Chung. Mody, who moved to the US at the age of 22, honed his craft in New York City’s vibrant jazz scene.
Radhika Vekaria
Radhika Vekaria, a British-born Indian artist, has earned a nomination for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her album Warriors of Light. The album features Radhika’s versatile vocals in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, and English. This is her second album, following Sapta: The Seven Ways, released in 2020.
Ricky Kej
Bengaluru-based environmentalist and musician Ricky Kej has earned a nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for his album Break of Dawn. This marks his fourth Grammy nomination, following three previous wins. Kej’s music often intertwines with his advocacy for environmental issues. His first Grammy win came in 2015 with Winds of Samsara, followed by Divine Tides, a collaboration with Stewart Copeland, which earned him his second Grammy.
Varijashree Venugopal
Bengaluru-based vocalist, flautist, and composer Varijashree Venugopal is nominated for Best Global Music Performance for her collaboration on the track A Rock Somewhere alongside Anoushka Shankar. This marks her first Grammy nomination. Venugopal also contributed to Ricky Kej’s album Break of Dawn and has been gaining recognition for her unique blend of classical and contemporary music.
Impact on the South Asian Community
The Grammy nominations for South Asian-origin artists, such as Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Varijashree Venugopal, have a profound impact on the South Asian community, fostering pride and recognition on the global stage. These nominations underscore the growing influence of South Asian talent in international music, offering a platform for the diverse musical traditions of the region.
For the South Asian diaspora in countries like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia, these recognitions serve as a source of inspiration. Young South Asians, in particular, are encouraged to pursue their musical dreams, knowing that international success is achievable. The recognition of these artists bridges cultural gaps by blending Eastern and Western music, helping to foster cross-cultural appreciation.
This increasing visibility in the global music industry paves the way for more opportunities for South Asian musicians, solidifying their place in the international spotlight. The success of these artists is a testament to the powerful and lasting impact of South Asian music on the global stage.
