Rapper/singer/songwriter Raja Kumari turns heads with the release of a visual for “Shook,” a single that opens with a Swahili chant that loosely translates to “god is light.” Shot in Miami and directed by Gil Green, Kumari message is a celebration of brown pride aka “Hindu guap” combined with self actualization through a lens that’s both global and inclusive.
Trained from childhood in traditional Indian dance, Kumari’s vibe is rooted in a deep connection to the melody and beats informed by her mastery of Taal ( rhythmic and vocal cues of Indian dance). While born and raised in California, she moved to India for a period in 2016 to immerse herself in the “culture of the one billion” and gain a deeper connection to her roots.
Reflecting her blended musical influences, Kumari affectionately refers to Indian singer/songwriter A.R. Rahman and Lauryn Hill as “my musical parents.”
Enjoy “Shook” below and stay tuned for Kumari’s upcoming album, Blood Line, due out in early 2019.
