Indian-American artists have made a strong impact at the 67th Grammy Awards, which will take place on February 2, 2025, at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena. A lineup of nominees with Indian roots spans several categories, underscoring the increasing global influence of these musicians.
The list of nominees features Chandrika Tandon, Anoushka Shankar, Varijashree Venugopal, Ricky Kej, Noshir Mody, and Radhika Vekaria. Each artist has made noteworthy contributions in their respective genres, representing a diverse spectrum of music.
Entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon has received a nomination for her album Triveni in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. Tandon, also nominated previously for her album Soul Call in the Best Contemporary World Music category, is known both for her artistic work and her business acumen. She is the founder and chairperson of Tandon Capital Associates, a financial advisory firm established in 1992. Tandon is also notably the sister of Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, adding a unique blend of corporate and artistic success to her profile.
Joining her in the same category is Anoushka Shankar, who received a Grammy nomination for her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn. Shankar, daughter of the legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, carries forward her family’s legacy in Indian classical music with a modern touch. This nomination is part of her broader recognition in the industry, where she is seen as an innovator in the genre. Shankar received a second Grammy nomination this year in the Best Global Music Performance category for her collaboration on the track A Rock Somewhere with Bengaluru-based vocalist, violinist, and composer Varijashree Venugopal.
Venugopal, who is a first-time Grammy nominee, made a significant contribution to A Rock Somewhere, bringing her skills in both voice and violin to the project. In addition, Venugopal has collaborated with Ricky Kej on his album, adding another dimension to her Grammy debut. Kej, who is based in Bangalore and has previously won three Grammy Awards, has now received his fourth nomination for his album Break of Dawn. Although Kej currently resides in India, he was born in North Carolina, giving him a background that bridges both cultures.
Adding to the representation in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category is Radhika Vekaria, nominated for her album Warriors of Light. Vekaria was born in the UK to parents who emigrated from East Africa, with family roots tracing back to India. Now based in Los Angeles, Vekaria’s nomination highlights her cultural journey and the influences that shape her work.
Noshir Mody, a musician born in Mumbai, is also a first-time Grammy nominee. His track Kashira has been nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category. This nomination marks a milestone in Mody’s career, as he gains international recognition for his work, representing a distinct style that combines his Indian heritage with global sounds.
Additionally, the Best Global Music Performance category features Pakistani-American artist Arooj Aftab, who has been nominated for her song Raat Ki Rani, part of her album Night Reign, which is also competing in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category. Aftab, who gained significant attention in 2022, made history as the first Pakistani woman to win a Grammy with her song Mohabbat in the same category. Her latest nomination underscores her continued success and artistic influence.
These Grammy nominations reflect the vibrant diversity and artistic contributions of Indian-American and South Asian artists to the global music industry. With nominations across different genres, each artist represents a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern influence, celebrating a shared legacy on a worldwide stage.
