Indian music composer and Grammy-winner Ricky Kej along with American legendary drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) have been nominated for their latest album Divine Tides’ at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. The nominations were announced by the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr.
Ricky Kej’s has previously won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his album ‘Winds of Samsara’. Based on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, ‘Winds of Samsara’ debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard New Age Albums chart, a first for an Indian-origin artist. Kej is the youngest Indian to have won a Grammy Award, and only the fourth hailing from the country.
“Although my music is cross-cultural, it has always had strong Indian roots and I am extremely proud that Indian music has been recognised and shortlisted for this prestigious award by The Recording Academy,” said Kej in a statement. “This nomination encourages me further and solidifies my belief to continue making music that can inspire positive social impact. I’d like to thank The Recording Academy for this nomination, my collaborator Stewart Copeland for the best musical experience of my life, all my fellow artists and everyone else who made the album ‘Divine Tides’ possible.” The album with nine tracks features artists from all around the world paying tribute to nature.
Kej is an internationally renowned Indian music composer and environmentalist. He has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Among his several accolades, Kej has been honoured with the United Nations Global Humanitarian Artist and Youth Icon of India. He is the UNESCO MGIEP Global Ambassador for Kindness; UNCCD Land Ambassador; UNICEF Celebrity Supporter; and Ambassador for Earth Day Network.
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on January 31, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Listen to Ricky Kej here