Introducing Multi-Platinum, Canadian producer and music composer Nikhil Seetharam, who picked up his first Grammy award earlier this week! This self-taught producer of South Asian heritage (Tamil Nadu & Maharashtra in India) was on the team of rapper Drake’s album "Take Care" which won "Best Rap Album" at the ceremony held in Los Angeles, California.
Nikhil has worked with a number of world-famous musicians over the past couple of years; he is credited as a co-writer for Nicki Minaj’s "Moment 4 Life" and more recently rapper Kendrick Lamar’s "Swimming Pools (Drank)" which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
He also contributed on “I’m On One” by DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne from We The Best Forever which was Grammy nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The star-studded event was a glamourous evening filled with incredible live performances, and music director A. R. Rahman was in attendance along with his wife. He Tweeted from the show saying "Enjoyed the Bob Marley tribute", which was performed by the reggae legend’s sons Ziggy and Damien, along with Rihanna, Sting and Bruno Mars.
The links to South Asia didn’t end there: The late Pandit Ravi Shankar was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, which his daughter Norah Jones accepted on his behalf. His other daughter Anoushka Shankar’s album "Traveller" – which percussionist Pirashanna Thevarajah has featured on – was nominated for Best World Music Album.
Singer Mathai, whose parents hail from Kerala, is now officially on a Grammy award-winning album, after Lecae’s "Gravity" was named Best Gospel Album. The 20-year-old – who is currently working on her debut EP – took to Instagram to share her happiness: "WOW. Officially on an album that won a Grammy. Check out the song "free from it all" on Lecrae’s album "Gravity" to hear a little Mathai 🙂 #blessed". Have a listen to the track below: