I was born in Los Angeles, California, to a South Indian family. I began training in Indian classical dance at the age of seven and performed three Arangetrams in different styles. This early focus on dance deeply connected me to my culture, which kept me grounded. My love for my culture led me to express myself through music, which became my individual pursuit. I started songwriting in Los Angeles, writing for American pop artists like Iggy Azalea, Fifth Harmony, and Gwen Stefani. In 2016, I released my own project, and the rest is history.
2. What kind of music do you enjoy creating the most, and what is the most unexpected source for your songwriting?
I enjoy creating fusion music the most. I love the idea of blending two very different sounds and finding a way for them to coexist harmoniously. This reflects my personal experience of merging two distinct cultures. Fusion music feels natural to me because of this.
3. Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped shape your artistic journey and made you popular?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was working on the film Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan. This collaboration introduced me to a vast audience and fulfilled a personal childhood dream. Working with Shah Rukh Khan was a major milestone for me.
4. How do you see the evolution of the indie music scene in India? Who are your favorite artists?
The indie music scene in India has evolved significantly, especially post-pandemic. With no Bollywood films being released during that time, indie musicians stepped up to entertain people. This shift highlighted the talent and diversity within the indie music community. My favorite indie artist right now is Dalvinder. I also appreciate the fresh sounds coming from artists in the South and Punjabi music.
5. What advice would you give to aspiring artists in the fusion music genre?
Authenticity is crucial. Know who you are and what you bring to the table. Fusion music offers many possibilities, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of meeting expectations. However, staying true to your unique perspective and inspirations will make your fusion music stand out.
6. If you had to choose a historical figure to feature in your next music video, who would it be?
I would choose Cleopatra. While I have already had the honor of featuring Madhuri Dixit in one of my videos, Cleopatra's powerful and enigmatic persona fascinates me.
Bio:
Indian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer Raja Kumari is a force of nature. She’s a fearless, charismatic personality and natural-born storyteller whose mission is to create art that blends her Indian roots with her American upbringing. Her music bridges the East and West, fusing rhythms from her training as a classical Indian dancer with her love for Hip-hop.
"I personified this strong, female goddess character called ‘Raja Kumari,’ the Daughter of the King, and the King was God. So, in my mind, I was the Daughter of God."
A Grammy-nominated songwriter and BMI Pop Award-winning artist, Raja Kumari also owns her independent label, Godmother Records. In 2023, she released her full-length debut album, 'The Bridge,' on her label, which aims to promote talent from the Indian subcontinent. That year was marked by significant collaborations, including sharing the stage with John Legend during his India tour and performing at Coachella with Ali Sethi, making history as the first India-Pakistan duo at the festival. She was honored with 'The Musician of the Year' award by AJIO Grazia Millennial Awards in 2023. Her vocal talent can be heard in the title track of the Indian movie 'Jawan' and the title track of 'Aarya' Season 3, where she also appeared alongside Sushmita Sen.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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