India’s Grammy Entry is a Cultural Feast Merging World Rhythms with Indian Folk
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It’s often said that music can tell stories, honor cultures, and inspire change. Dhruv Ghanekar’s latest album, Voyage 2, takes these notions to heart, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the power of women, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the beauty of cultural diversity. Now released worldwide, this groundbreaking 10-track album has been selected as India’s entry to the 2025 Grammy Awards in multiple categories, including Global Music Performance, Global Music Album, Best Arrangement (Instrumental and Vocal), Best Engineered Album, and Best Immersive Audio among others. With Voyage 2, Dhruv Ghanekar creates an auditory journey across frontiers, blending global musical traditions with the soul of Indian folk in a way that’s never been heard before.
The inspiration behind Voyage 2 is rooted in the strength and spirit of Indian women, particularly those from indigenous, tribal, and folk communities. Each track on the album features powerful female vocalists whose voices represent the aspirations and struggles of their community. “Suprabhatam” opens the album with Nandini Srikar’s soulful rendition of ancient Sanskrit shlokas, set against a backdrop of drum and bass, and hip-hop influences. “Nacho” is a vibrant dance number featuring the iconic Ila Arun, blending Rajasthani folk with African guitars and Balkan horns, while “Deuri” draws from traditional Assamese Bihu music, blending jazz funk with Brazilian influences. The album is not just a celebration of music but a tribute to the resilience and wisdom of these communities and a call for recognition and empowerment.
Among the standout tracks, “Jatra” fuses Marathi Lavani with Brazilian samba rhythms and Portuguese vocals, featuring the dynamic Vaishali Samant. Another notable track, “O Sorothia,” seamlessly combines Assamese folk with reggae, dub, electronica, and rap, showcasing the incredible vocal prowess of Kalpana Patowary. The album’s final track, “Assam,” offers a cinematic and textural tribute to the beauty of the Assamese region. Together, these songs represent the diverse influences that have shaped Dhruv Ghanekar’s musical journey, reflecting his deep respect for cultural traditions and his desire to innovate and experiment.
The creation of Voyage 2 was a truly global effort, featuring contributions from some of the world’s most talented musicians. Mohini Dey, a dynamic bassist known for her versatility, and ace drummer Gino Banks both play crucial roles in bringing Ghanekar’s compositions to life. Master percussionist Taufiq Qureshi adds his signature touch to several tracks, while noted bass guitarist Tim Lefebvre enriches the album’s sonic landscape. Drummer Tonny Morra also lends his expertise, further enhancing the album's depth. This collaboration with world-class artists, many of whom Ghanekar has worked with before, adds layers of complexity, making it a truly immersive experience.
A key element of Voyage 2 is the seamless integration of diverse musical styles, boldly combining global traditions from across the planet, including Brazilian Samba, Balkan music, African pop, funk, and jazz—all while staying true to the roots of Indian folk music. The production quality is equally commendable, with tracks mixed by renowned engineers like Sefi Carmel and mastered by Gethin John at Haford Mastering. The album was recorded across various studios, including Wah Wah Music in Mumbai, YRF Studios, and Island City Studios, ensuring that each track received the highest level of attention to detail. This meticulous production process is a testament to Ghanekar’s commitment to creating an album that not only sounds good but resonates with listeners on a deeper level.
Voyage 2 is now available on all major streaming platforms. With its innovative fusion of global and Indian sounds, this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of world music. The intricate arrangements, powerful vocal performances, and thoughtful production make it a strong contender for the Grammy Awards and a shining example of India’s rich musical heritage on the global stage.
Stream Voyage 2: https://open.spotify.com/album/6effFXpDdti8nGW6FFCKch
Visit Dhruv Ghanekar’s Official Website: https://www.dhruvghanekar.com
Follow Dhruv Ghanekar: https://www.instagram.com/dhruvg
About Dhruv Ghanekar
With a career spanning over 25 years, Dhruv Ghanekar is one of India’s most celebrated music composers, producers, and guitarists. His work has earned him over two dozen international awards, including Cannes Lions and London International Awards. Ghanekar has collaborated with legendary artists like A.R. Rahman, Richard Bona, and Zakir Hussain, and has performed at prestigious festivals around the world like SXSW and the Oslo Jazz Festival. Ghanekar’s versatility is evident in his work across various mediums, including composing for over 4,000 commercials, producing music for films, and venturing into OTT content. He is also a founding partner of blueFrog, the iconic venue that ignited India’s indie music revolution.
In 2023, Ghanekar launched his independent record label, Wah Wah Records, under which Voyage 2 was released, continuing his legacy of pushing the boundaries of music and culture. His influence extends internationally, as seen in 2021 when his evocative score for the British photographer Jimmy Nelson’s show ‘Blink. And they’re gone’ captivated audiences at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris. Ghanekar’s contributions continue to shape the soundscape of modern music, blending global influences with deep cultural roots.
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