Raja Kumari Makes History at AMAs 2025
Indian-American rapper and singer-songwriter Raja Kumari has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award (AMA). She was honored during the 51st AMA ceremony held in Los Angeles on May 27, 2025, for her contribution to the ‘Arcane: League of Legends – Season 2’ soundtrack. The award was presented in the “Favorite Soundtrack” category for her track “Renegade (We Never Run).”
About the Song: A Global Collaboration
“Renegade (We Never Run)” is a powerful anthem created by a global trio of artists: Raja Kumari (India/US), Stefflon Don (UK), and Jarina de Marco (Dominican Republic/Brazil). The track was featured in the critically acclaimed series ‘Arcane: League of Legends – Season 2,’ based on the popular video game franchise. The collaboration brought together diverse musical influences, blending hip-hop, Indian classical music, and pop sensibilities.
Cultural Representation and Musical Brilliance
In an interview with PTI, Kumari revealed that the ‘Arcane’ team approached her because an Indian character was featured in the season. They wanted a voice that could represent Indian culture while delivering aggressive, high-energy music—a space Raja Kumari has made her own.
Unexpected Success and Global Impact
Kumari admitted that she never anticipated the song’s viral success. Originally recorded just for the series, “Renegade” unexpectedly climbed the global charts, even hitting the top 10 on Spotify’s Viral 50 list. The song’s unexpected success highlighted the growing global appeal of diverse musical collaborations.
Reaffirming a Global Artistic Vision
At a time when Kumari was questioning whether sticking to one genre might be the only way to attain commercial success, the AMA recognition reaffirmed her belief in being a global artist. She emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s cultural roots while embracing a global musical identity.
A Win Beyond Borders
Raja Kumari’s AMA win is more than a personal milestone—it is a victory for cultural representation, women in music, and the Indian diaspora globally. As an artist who seamlessly blends hip-hop, Indian classical music, and pop sensibilities, she continues to break barriers and open new doors for South Asian musicians worldwide.
Why This News Is Important
Significance in Global Music
Raja Kumari’s achievement marks a significant milestone in the global music industry. Her recognition at the American Music Awards underscores the increasing acceptance and appreciation of diverse musical influences in mainstream platforms. This win highlights the evolving landscape of global music, where artists from varied cultural backgrounds are gaining prominence.
Representation of Indian-Origin Artists
As the first Indian-origin musician to win an AMA, Raja Kumari’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists of Indian descent. Her achievement demonstrates that cultural heritage can be a strength in the global music scene, encouraging more Indian-origin artists to pursue international recognition.
Empowerment of Women in Music
Raja Kumari’s win also highlights the empowerment of women in the music industry. Her success challenges gender norms and paves the way for more female artists to achieve recognition and success in a competitive industry.
Impact on Cultural Collaborations
The collaboration between artists from different cultural backgrounds for the “Renegade” track exemplifies the potential of cross-cultural partnerships in creating innovative music. Such collaborations enrich the global music scene and promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Inspiration for Aspiring Artists
Raja Kumari’s journey from a classical dancer to a globally recognized artist serves as a motivational story for aspiring musicians. Her dedication to blending traditional and contemporary music styles encourages young artists to explore and embrace their cultural roots while innovating in their craft.
Historical Context
Background of Raja Kumari
Born Svetha Yallapragada Rao in Claremont, California, Raja Kumari was raised in a Telugu family originally from Andhra Pradesh. She began her artistic journey as a classical dancer, trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak. Her early exposure to Indian classical arts influenced her later fusion of hip-hop and Indian music.
Career Milestones
Raja Kumari has had a successful career, collaborating with international artists such as Gwen Stefani, Iggy Azalea, and Fifth Harmony. She has also contributed to songs in albums by various artists and has been recognized for her songwriting talents. In 2016, she was honored at the BMI Pop Awards for co-writing the song “Centuries” with Fall Out Boy.
Formation of Godmother Records
In 2022, Raja Kumari started her own independent label, Godmother Records, aiming to provide a platform for artists to express their authentic voices. The label reflects her commitment to nurturing diverse musical talents and promoting cultural representation in the music industry.
Key Takeaways from “Raja Kumari Makes History at AMAs 2025”
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Raja Kumari became the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award at the 51st AMA ceremony. |
| 2 | She won the “Favorite Soundtrack” category for her track “Renegade (We Never Run)” from ‘Arcane: League of Legends – Season 2.’ |
| 3 | The song was a collaboration between Raja Kumari, Stefflon Don (UK), and Jarina de Marco (Dominican Republic/Brazil). |
| 4 | The track’s success led it to reach the top 10 on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart, highlighting its global appeal. |
| 5 | Raja Kumari’s win signifies a victory for cultural representation, women in music, and the Indian diaspora globally. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Raja Kumari?
Raja Kumari, born Svetha Yallapragada Rao, is an Indian-American rapper, singer-songwriter, and classical dancer known for blending hip-hop with Indian classical music.
2. What historic achievement did Raja Kumari accomplish at the AMAs 2025?
She became the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award (AMA) in the “Favorite Soundtrack” category for the song “Renegade (We Never Run).”
3. Which song earned Raja Kumari the AMA award?
The song “Renegade (We Never Run)” from the series ‘Arcane: League of Legends – Season 2’ earned her the award.
4. Who collaborated with Raja Kumari on the track “Renegade”?
Stefflon Don from the UK and Jarina de Marco from the Dominican Republic/Brazil collaborated with Raja Kumari on this track.
5. Why is Raja Kumari’s AMA win significant?
It represents a milestone for cultural representation, Indian-origin artists, and women in music, showcasing the global influence of diverse music collaborations.
6. What is ‘Arcane: League of Legends – Season 2’?
It is a critically acclaimed animated series based on the popular video game ‘League of Legends.’
7. How did Raja Kumari describe her artistic journey after the AMA win?
She emphasized the importance of embracing a global musical identity while staying true to cultural roots.
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