In a historic moment for the global music scene, Indian-American rapper and singer-songwriter Raja Kumari has become the first artist of Indian origin to win an American Music Award (AMA). The trailblazing musician received the prestigious honor for her powerhouse anthem “Renegade (We Never Run)”, featured in the acclaimed series Arcane: League of Legends Season 2.
The song, a collaboration between Raja Kumari, Stefflon Don, and Jarina de Marco, took home the AMA for Favourite Soundtrack, making it a win not just for the artists, but for representation, diversity, and cultural fusion in mainstream music.
Held in Los Angeles, the 51st AMA ceremony saw a wave of cheers as Kumari’s name was announced. In her acceptance message, she shared:
“I’ve always felt like an outsider trying to belong. Winning this award is a celebration of every time I didn’t give up. This is for everyone who’s ever been told they didn’t fit in.”
From Indian Roots to Global Stage: The Unstoppable Rise of Raja Kumari
In a world where identities often get blurred for acceptance, Raja Kumari chose to sharpen hers — blending ancient Indian rhythms with modern rap, and redefining what it means to be a South Asian artist in global music.
Born Svetha Yallapragada Rao in Claremont, California, Raja Kumari’s childhood was shaped by the disciplined grace of Indian classical dance. From the age of seven, she trained rigorously in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, even performing in temples across India. By the time most teens were deciding what to study, she had already earned accolades like the National Indian Classical Dance Award from the Indian government.
But while she danced to ragas at home, her soul moved to the rhythm of hip-hop. Artists like Tupac, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott inspired her. She began writing poetry and soon, rapping became her voice — bold, raw, and layered with spiritual undertones. This duality — ancient soul, modern fire — became her signature.
Despite her talent, the music industry wasn’t ready. Executives didn’t know how to categorize a brown-skinned, bindi-wearing girl who could spit bars in Sanskrit and English with equal ease. Raja Kumari was often told to tone down the Indian influence or conform to Western pop aesthetics. But she resisted.
“Why would I dilute my identity to fit into a mold that wasn’t built for me?” she once said.
“I wasn’t trying to be American enough. I was trying to be me — unapologetically Indian, proudly global.”
Before her solo fame, Raja Kumari worked behind the scenes, co-writing hit tracks for major artists including Fall Out Boy’s double-platinum “Centuries”, Iggy Azalea, Gwen Stefani, and Fifth Harmony. While her pen earned recognition, her face remained invisible.
In 2016, she made a bold leap — launching herself as a solo artist. Her debut EP “The Come Up” introduced the world to a sound that had never existed before: Sanskrit chants echoing between trap beats, mantras woven into bars, tabla meeting 808s.
Songs like “City Slums” with Divine and “Shook” turned her into a cross-cultural icon. She became the face of campaigns for MAC, Reebok, and Nike, all while speaking about the need for South Asian representation in global media.
Then came 2025 — the year she made history.
Her track “Renegade (We Never Run),” featured in Arcane: League of Legends Season 2, brought global recognition. A fiery anthem of defiance and sisterhood, the song struck a chord worldwide. When it won the American Music Award for Favourite Soundtrack, Raja Kumari became the first artist of Indian origin to ever win an AMA — a moment that shattered ceilings and silenced doubters.
“I’ve always felt like an underdog,” she said after the win.
“This isn’t just my victory. It belongs to every South Asian artist who dares to be seen and heard.”
Today, Raja Kumari stands tall — not just as a rapper, but as a cultural ambassador, activist, and inspiration. She uses her platform to uplift young South Asians, especially women, reminding them that they don’t have to choose between tradition and ambition — they can be both.
She isn’t just making music. She’s making space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Raja Kumari?
Raja Kumari is an Indian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and classical dancer known for blending Indian cultural elements with Western hip-hop.
What award did Raja Kumari recently win?
he won the 2025 American Music Award for Favourite Soundtrack for her song “Renegade.”
What is unique about Raja Kumari’s music?
Her music fuses Indian classical elements with contemporary hip-hop, incorporating Sanskrit chants, tabla rhythms, and Indian storytelling.
What challenges did Raja Kumari face?
She faced identity-based challenges in the Western music industry, often being told to downplay her Indian roots. Instead, she doubled down on them.
What message does Raja Kumari send to young artists?
Her journey encourages artists to embrace their roots and create from a place of authenticity, not conformity.
