Los Angeles— In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian-American rapper and singer Raja Kumari has become the first artist of Indian origin to win an American Music Award (AMA).
She secured the award in the Favorite Soundtrack category for her contribution to "Renegade (We Never Run)," featured in the second season of the animated series "Arcane: League of Legends." This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Kumari but also signifies a broader recognition of South Asian artists in mainstream American music.
Key Facts:
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Historic Win: First Indian-origin artist to win an AMA.
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Awarded Work: "Renegade (We Never Run)" from "Arcane: League of Legends" Season 2.
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Award Category: Favorite Soundtrack at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Raja Kumari, born Svetha Yallapragada Rao, has long been celebrated for her unique fusion of Indian classical music and hip-hop, a style she dubs "BollyHood." Her recent AMA win underscores her commitment to blending cultural influences and challenging industry norms. Reflecting on her journey, Kumari stated,
"Growing up, I was told to tone down my ethnicity to be successful in America. This win is a testament to embracing one's roots and changing perceptions."
Beyond her musical endeavors, Kumari has been a prominent advocate for South Asian representation in the arts.
She has collaborated with global artists like Gwen Stefani and Iggy Azalea, co-writing hits such as Fall Out Boy's "Centuries," and has been a judge on MTV India's rap competition show "Hustle." In 2022, she launched her label, Godmother Records, to further promote diverse voices in music.
Kumari's AMA victory is more than a personal accolade; it represents a significant step forward for South Asian artists seeking recognition on global platforms. Her success challenges longstanding industry biases and opens doors for future generations of artists from diverse backgrounds.
Do You Know? Before her AMA win, Raja Kumari made history in 2019 as the first person of Indian origin to host the American Music Awards, highlighting her longstanding influence in the industry.
Key Terms:
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American Music Awards (AMAs): An annual American music awards show, created by Dick Clark in 1973, recognizing outstanding achievements in the music industry.
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"Arcane: League of Legends" is an animated television series based on the popular video game "League of Legends," known for its rich storytelling and musical collaborations.
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BollyHood: A term coined by Raja Kumari to describe her musical style that blends Bollywood influences with hip-hop elements.