Ricky Kej on upcoming India tour, says BTS should compete for Grammys' mainstream categories | Interview
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Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej is launching an India tour centered on the damru to blend spirituality with environmental advocacy. He is also advocating for broader Grammy recognition for Asian artists, including groups like BTS.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Ricky Kej's Visionary India Tour
Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has announced an ambitious upcoming tour across India, scheduled to run from October through December 2026. The tour, which will visit major urban hubs including Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, serves as a significant cultural movement aimed at revitalizing how traditional Indian music is presented to modern audiences. By centering the performance around the damru—an instrument deeply rooted in the iconography of Lord Shiva and ancient Indian spirituality—Kej seeks to create a bridge between historical reverence and contemporary sonic landscapes.
The Damru as a Conduit for Environmental Advocacy
At the heart of this tour lies a profound philosophical connection: the damru is not merely an aesthetic choice but a thematic anchor. For Kej, this ancient instrument serves as a natural extension of the environmental themes that have defined his career. By integrating high-end performance technology with this primal, spiritual instrument, he aims to demonstrate that traditional music can evolve to meet the demands of modern stages. This approach reflects a broader trend in global music where artists are increasingly utilizing heritage instruments to amplify urgent messages about sustainability and climate change.
Advocating for Global Recognition
Beyond his personal performances, Kej has used his platform to engage in critical discussions regarding the global music industry, specifically the Grammys. During his recent interview, he voiced concerns about the current representation of Asian music at the awards. He explicitly championed the idea that global phenomena like BTS should be competing in the Grammys' mainstream categories rather than being relegated to niche sectors. This stance underscores a growing demand for the Western-centric music industry to acknowledge the massive cultural and commercial impact of Asian artists on a global scale.
Rethinking the Live Experience
Kej’s tour is also a call to action for his fellow traditional Indian musicians. He argues that the traditional live concert format needs a radical rethink to remain relevant in an era of immersive digital entertainment. By supporting UNICEF through this tour, Kej is ensuring that his music serves a greater social purpose while simultaneously experimenting with production techniques that push the boundaries of what a live Indian classical or fusion show can look and sound like in 2026.
Future Trends and Cultural Impact
As we look toward the latter half of the decade, Kej’s initiatives suggest a shift toward 'purpose-driven touring.' By combining philanthropic partnerships with high-concept cultural education, artists are moving away from standard performance models toward immersive experiences that carry social weight. His upcoming tour serves as a case study for how legacy sounds can remain vital, provided they are curated with both technological ambition and a deep understanding of their roots. This trajectory promises to set a new standard for Indian artists aiming to maintain a foothold in both the domestic market and the international arena.
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