Grammy-Winning Composer Ricky Kej Set for Historic Debut at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026
In an exciting development for India's cultural calendar, three-time Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej is poised to make his inaugural appearance at the prestigious Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai. The celebrated musician, renowned for his environmental and cultural themes, expressed profound enthusiasm about this long-awaited opportunity during an exclusive conversation with Mumbai Mirror.
A Long-Awaited Cultural Convergence
"It is a huge honour to be part of one of the world's most iconic cultural events," Kej declared, emphasizing the significance of this milestone in his illustrious career. The festival, which proudly holds the distinction of being Asia's largest multicultural arts celebration, will unfold from January 31 to February 8, 2026. This edition carries special weight as it commemorates twenty-five remarkable years of championing diverse artistic expressions across multiple disciplines.
Kej revealed that while he has always admired the festival from a distance, scheduling conflicts have historically prevented his participation. "Kala Ghoda usually begins in early February, which is when I'm attending the Grammy Awards," he explained. With the Grammys traditionally occurring on the first Sunday of February, the musician has rarely found himself in Mumbai during the festival's duration. "This year, it finally worked out, and that's why this performance is so special for me," he added with evident excitement.
Immersive Festival Experience and Innovative Performance
Beyond simply taking the stage, Kej plans to fully engage with the festival's vibrant atmosphere. "I'm looking forward to not only performing at the festival but immersing myself in the festival, in various art forms and getting inspired by artists of different disciplines from across verticals," he shared. This holistic approach reflects his deep appreciation for interdisciplinary creativity.
His performance promises to be groundbreaking, aligning with the festival's forward-thinking ethos. "My performance is going to be as the slogan of the Kala Ghoda festival says, 'ahead of the curve'," Kej announced. He detailed an ambitious plan to incorporate cutting-edge musical genres and formats while staying true to his signature themes of environmental sustainability and Indian cultural celebration.
A Spectacular Audiovisual Journey with Lasting Impact
The composer envisions an unforgettable experience for attendees. "We're going to have quite cutting-edge genres and forms of music, and the songs will be themed around my usual themes of sustainability and celebrating Indian culture. It will be presented in a very cutting-edge, modern format," he elaborated. Kej anticipates active audience participation, stating, "I fully expect the entire audience to dance and sing along with us."
However, the performance aims to transcend mere entertainment. "And it's going to be a lot of fun and entertainment and yet the music, and the songs are going to give a lot to people to think about once the concert is over," Kej emphasized. He believes the show will leave a profound and lasting impression on all who witness it, combining sensory delight with meaningful reflection.
Concluding with palpable anticipation, Kej affirmed, "I'm looking forward to this concert and it's going to be an absolutely spectacular audiovisual experience." This free-for-all-attendees festival continues to solidify Mumbai's position as a global cultural hub, and Kej's debut adds significant star power to its silver jubilee celebrations.
