Internationally acclaimed Indian musician and environmentalist Ricky Kej has performed in illustrious locations in more than 30 nations, including the UN headquarters in New York and Geneva. In 20 different nations, Ricky has won more than 100 music awards. He serves as the “Global Ambassador for Kindness” for the UNESCO MGIEP, “Land Ambassador” for the UNCCD, “Celebrity Supporter” for UNICEF, and “Earth Day Network” Ambassador.
His extensive body of work includes four feature films, more than 3500 advertisements, 16 globally released studio albums, and the natural history documentary “Wild Karnataka” with Sir David Attenborough as the narrator.
Recently, the artist and musician, Ricky Kej, attended the art auction, Art be a Part and he says, “I had no second thoughts about joining the wonderful community of artists because of his love for supporting groups that approach local and global problems holistically.” In an exclusive interview with Magzoid, he also mentions the following
Having won your second Grammy in recent, could you tell us a little about the beginning of your journey?
Ever since I remember, I have always been in love with music. Even as a child, my ears have always been more important than my eyes. While most of my classmates in school were fascinated by television and cartoons, I was hooked to my music system. I would dissect songs I heard to try and figure out the instruments used, the musicians playing those instruments, and I would learn about different cultures and people through music. I was also passionate about the environment. It was through my music that I fell in love with our natural world and I have always found a deep connection between music and nature. We had a baby grand piano at home, and a guitar. So I started off by trying to make music on those instruments. Much later as an adult, after I already embarked on a thriving professional musical career, I took a formal education in music to avoid what I perceived could be a handicap in future.
What are your favourite instruments as a music composer?
It is really hard for me to answer that as I am a huge fan of all traditional instruments from India and around the world. I incorporate all of these fascinating sounds in my music and I also love the history behind them. In one of my previous albums, “Shanti Samsara” I collaborated with Native American Flute Players, a Gaelic Choir, Hebrew Choir, South African Choir, Korean, Turkish, Senegalese Singers, Azerbaijani musicians, Koto player from Japan, Maori musicians and so many more. It was such a fulfilling experience to bring all these different cultures, traditions and people together through the universal language of music. I always try and collaborate with local artists and musicians during my live concerts as well.
How has art influenced your life?
Music and the environment have always been the two pillars of my life. I have always believed that only when people start acknowledging an issue and start a dialogue to solve it, a solution will come. My aim is to inspire this dialogue through my art. Music has the power to retain a message deep in the consciousness of a listener. I do all I can to create awareness about the environment and positive social impact through my music.
What motivated you to support the Art be a part community?
I work closely with several organizations that holistically tackle local and global problems. I’ve known my dear friend Akshai Sarin for over a decade and have tremendous respect for the work that he does through the various organizations such as blessdbuy and creative dignity. When I learnt about this fantastic community coming together to raise funds to support UNICEF and others, I didn’t have to think twice
How do you feel about making your live musical debut in Dubai today?
I have always wanted to perform in Dubai and I am grateful that this opportunity is to support such a good cause. Dubai truly is a city of the future and it is amazing to see how people from around the world coexist peacefully and call it their home. I do hope to perform my music in Dubai again soon.
Other than being a music artist, you are also an environmentalist and a UNICEF Celebrity Supporter, what made you support these initiatives?
When I was starting out, it did not occur to me that I could use my music to relay a positive message to my audiences. Early on in my career, I found recognition by making over 3000 jingles for multinational corporations and other global brands. It took me a while to realise that these corporations understood the power of music and used my music to sell their products to consumers. It was then that I decided to give up making music for commercial purposes and focus only on creating music for positive social impact. Since then I have created anthems for various agencies of the United Nations and for other global non-profit organisations etc. I work with several National and State Governments, Global bodies, Scientists, and other world leaders to effectively convey their urgent complex messages related to the environment and other social issues through the powerful language of music. I am humbled to serve as an Ambassador for the UNCCD, UNICEF, UNESCO-MGIEP, Earth Day Network etc. Through my live concerts in India and around the world, I can directly interact with hundreds of thousands of people and disseminate these important messages through music.
How would you describe art as a medium of awareness and social impact in one line?
Art is a really effective medium as it invokes raw emotion and that is why human beings have always used various art forms to effectively create awareness on social issues, for political activism, in grassroots movements, and to stir mass action.
What message do you have for our readers?
All of the issues that we face locally and globally are interlinked. Land degradation, Deforestation, Pollution, Biodiversity loss, poverty, hunger etc. contribute to Climate change in their own ways and as consumers, we have to make concrete changes within our own lives to address these issues. We have to change our demands to disrupt the supply chain. What we need is a change in consciousness and behaviour. We need to consume less of everything. We have to vote for leaders who are environmentally conscious and we have to support businesses that are environmentally responsible.
Ricky’s aim is to inspire this dialogue through his art. Music has the power to retain a message deep in the consciousness of a listener. He does all he can to create awareness about the environment and positive social impact through his music.