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Raja Kumari becomes first Indian musician to win AMA
Raja Kumari becomes first Indian musician to win AMA
Raja Kumari, born Svetha Yallapragada Rao, has made history as the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award (AMA). At the 51st AMA ceremony held in Los Angeles on May 26, 2025, she clinched the award for Favourite Soundtrack with her song "Renegade (We Never Run)," featured in Arcane League of Legends: Season 2.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Born on January 11, 1986, in Claremont, California, Raja Kumari was raised in a Telugu family originally from Andhra Pradesh. She began performing as an Indian classical dancer at age five, trained by her parents who were deeply involved in preserving their cultural heritage. This early immersion in Indian classical arts laid the foundation for her unique musical style, blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary genres.
Born on January 11, 1986, in Claremont, California, Raja Kumari was raised in a Telugu family originally from Andhra Pradesh. She began performing as an Indian classical dancer at age five, trained by her parents who were deeply involved in preserving their cultural heritage. This early immersion in Indian classical arts laid the foundation for her unique musical style, blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary genres.
Musical Career and Collaborations
Raja Kumari's career is marked by a fusion of hip-hop, pop, and Indian classical music. She has co-written and contributed to several notable songs, including Fall Out Boy's double-platinum single "Centuries," "Change Your Life" featuring T.I., and Vicetone's "Don't You Run." Her songwriting prowess earned her a BMI Pop Award in 2016 for "Centuries."
She has collaborated with international artists such as Gwen Stefani, Iggy Azalea, Fifth Harmony, and Indian rapper Divine. Her debut Indian single, "City Slums," released in 2017 in collaboration with Divine, brought her significant attention in the Indian music scene. In 2022, she founded her independent label, Godmother Records, aiming to create a safe space for women in music.
Raja Kumari's career is marked by a fusion of hip-hop, pop, and Indian classical music. She has co-written and contributed to several notable songs, including Fall Out Boy's double-platinum single "Centuries," "Change Your Life" featuring T.I., and Vicetone's "Don't You Run." Her songwriting prowess earned her a BMI Pop Award in 2016 for "Centuries."
She has collaborated with international artists such as Gwen Stefani, Iggy Azalea, Fifth Harmony, and Indian rapper Divine. Her debut Indian single, "City Slums," released in 2017 in collaboration with Divine, brought her significant attention in the Indian music scene. In 2022, she founded her independent label, Godmother Records, aiming to create a safe space for women in music.
AMA Win and Cultural Impact
The AMA-winning track "Renegade (We Never Run)" is a collaboration between Raja Kumari, UK rapper Stefflon Don, and Dominican-Brazilian artist Jarina de Marco. The song, part of the Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 soundtrack, was recognized in the Favourite Soundtrack category. This achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Raja Kumari but also signifies a broader moment of representation for South Asian artists in mainstream American music.
Reflecting on her win, Raja Kumari expressed her commitment to representing Indian culture on the global stage. She stated, “Representing India on a world stage was a great honour. I feel it’s my job to change people’s perception of India and Indians.”
The AMA-winning track "Renegade (We Never Run)" is a collaboration between Raja Kumari, UK rapper Stefflon Don, and Dominican-Brazilian artist Jarina de Marco. The song, part of the Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 soundtrack, was recognized in the Favourite Soundtrack category. This achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Raja Kumari but also signifies a broader moment of representation for South Asian artists in mainstream American music.
Reflecting on her win, Raja Kumari expressed her commitment to representing Indian culture on the global stage. She stated, “Representing India on a world stage was a great honour. I feel it’s my job to change people’s perception of India and Indians.”
Legacy and Influence
Raja Kumari's journey from a classical Indian dancer to an award-winning global artist exemplifies the power of cultural fusion in music. Her success paves the way for greater representation of South Asian artists in the global music industry, inspiring a new generation to embrace their heritage while innovating within contemporary genres.
Raja Kumari's journey from a classical Indian dancer to an award-winning global artist exemplifies the power of cultural fusion in music. Her success paves the way for greater representation of South Asian artists in the global music industry, inspiring a new generation to embrace their heritage while innovating within contemporary genres.
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