In a landmark moment for Indian-origin artists on the global stage, rapper, singer, and songwriter Raja Kumari has taken home a prestigious American Music Award (AMA). Her win for “Favourite Soundtrack” at the 51st American Music Awards, held in Los Angeles on Monday night, marks a significant milestone, making her the first Indian-origin musician to achieve this feat.
Raja Kumari was honored for her powerful track “Renegade (We Never Run),” featured in the soundtrack for “Arcane League of Legends: Season 2.” The dynamic song is a collaboration with UK rapper Stefflon Don and Dominican-Brazilian artist Jarina de Marco, and its inclusion in the popular animated series brought it widespread international recognition.
This victory is particularly poignant for Raja Kumari, who had previously made headlines for being the first Indian-origin artist to even be nominated for an AMA. Her win now transforms that nomination into a historic triumph, demonstrating the growing impact and recognition of diverse voices in the global music industry.
Expressing her elation, Raja Kumari emphasized the significance of this award as a validation of her artistic journey. She has often spoken about her commitment to being a “genre-fluid” artist, blending elements of hip-hop, Indian classical music, and contemporary pop. This AMA win reinforces her belief that artists do not need to be confined to a single genre to achieve international success.
The track “Renegade (We Never Run)” resonated deeply with audiences, surprisingly even Raja Kumari herself. She shared that she initially had modest expectations for the song, which she created for a film. However, its powerful message and compelling sound led it to unexpected success, even charting globally on Spotify’s “Viral 50” list. The opportunity to contribute to “Arcane” arose because the character in the series is of Indian descent, and the production team sought an artist who could authentically represent Indian culture while delivering aggressive and impactful music as a woman.
Raja Kumari’s connection with fellow collaborator Stefflon Don was further deepened by their shared association with the late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, adding another layer of personal significance to the project.
This groundbreaking achievement by Raja Kumari is more than just a personal victory; it is a moment of immense pride and inspiration for countless aspiring Indian-origin artists worldwide. It showcases that talent knows no geographical boundaries and that dedication to one’s craft, combined with a unique cultural perspective, can indeed lead to the highest echelons of international recognition. As Raja Kumari aptly put it, this award is a “great reminder that there’s still much more work for me to do, and still much more for me to impact and grow,” signaling her continued commitment to pushing boundaries and making her mark on the global music landscape.