Renowned Indian composer and three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kejhas once again garnered international acclaim with a Grammy nomination for his album Break of Dawn at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This recognition is particularly notable as Kej is the first solo Indian artist since Pandit Ravi Shankar to receive a Grammy nomination, and he stands as the only Indian nominee this year.
Break of Dawn, a New Age album, blends traditional Indian Raags to promote mental wellness and address the global challenge of mental health. The album’s mission aligns with Kej's commitment to harnessing music’s therapeutic potential, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the connection between environmental and mental purity. This innovative album has received praise from Stanford Global Health for its role in supporting mental health awareness through music inspired by Indian traditions. A Stanford Global Health spokesperson commented, “We congratulate Ricky on Break of Dawn and his dedication to global mental health through India-rooted wellness music. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Ricky in the coming years.”
Released under Vedam Records, a wellness-focused music label launched by Universal Music Group India in collaboration with Kej, Break of Dawn is the label’s first project. Vedam Records, represented by Verve Label Group in the U.S., aims to advance wellness through music, with Kej as a driving force.
Kej has a longstanding reputation for using his music to champion environmental and social causes. He believes in the intrinsic link between mental clarity and environmental health, saying, “The impurities of the environment are in direct relation to the impurities of the mind. To address any global issue, we must first purify our minds.” This philosophy underpins Break of Dawn, created to inspire compassion, kindness, and environmental awareness through a unique musical experience. Kej hopes the album will motivate listeners, including the medical community, to explore music as a tool for healing.
Expressing his gratitude for the Grammy nomination, Kej said, “I am honored that Break of Dawn has been recognized by The Recording Academy. This album is deeply personal, reflecting my belief in music as a transformative force for the health and well-being of our planet and its people. I hope it inspires people to experience music as a source of comfort and healing, beyond entertainment.”
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, India & South Asia at Universal Music Group, shared his excitement, “Ricky’s album Break of Dawn, nominated in the ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album’ category, marks a bold step in global wellness music. At Vedam Records, Universal Music India is leading this charge, and we are proud to partner with Ricky in bringing this vision to the world.”
Kej’s fourth Grammy nomination not only underscores his influence in the Indian music industry but also highlights his dedication to integrating music with wellness and environmental awareness.
