Ricky Kej: Musician, Environmentalist, and Activist
Imagine standing amidst nature, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, the gentle rustle of trees, and the distant sound of a waterfall. These natural sounds evoke emotions and inspire action, much like music does. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej celebrates this intrinsic connection through his innovative Rhythm of the Earth concert series, in collaboration with The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts.
From Commercial Composer to Environmental Advocate
Ricky Kej, known for his journey from a commercial composer to a globally acclaimed environmentalist and musician, reflects on his early career creating music for commercials and television. The pressures of meeting client expectations and pursuing perfection shaped his work ethic. However, his motivations have evolved, with a strong focus on expressing his beliefs and passions, particularly in the realms of nature and sustainability.
Ricky’s music now serves as a platform for meaningful communication with the world. His unorthodox approach to creativity involves finding inspiration in unexpected places, such as nature walks, post-concert nights, and even long flights. This authentic approach resonates with audiences, using music as a catalyst for change.
The Rhythm of the Earth Concert Series
Ricky’s Rhythm of the Earth concert series promises an immersive audio-visual experience centered around environmental and social themes. Held across four cities — Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, and Jaipur — the events aim to leave a lasting message on sustainability and responsibility. Collaborating with The Leela, Ricky ensures that the concerts feature sustainability-focused elements, from menus to décor, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental causes.
The visual components of Ricky’s concerts are meticulously crafted to enhance the musical experience. Each performance is accompanied by stunning visuals to complement the music, creating a multi-sensory spectacle for the audience. Ricky’s dedication to environmental causes extends beyond his music, showing his advocacy for children’s rights through support for organizations like the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF).
Music as a Tool for Activism
Ricky Kej views music as a potent tool for activism, capable of evoking emotions and inspiring action. In a world facing challenges like climate change, pollution, and societal issues, Ricky emphasizes the role of individual behavior in driving real change. He believes that music can transcend scientific data and reach people’s hearts and souls, encouraging them to take concrete actions.
His approach to environmental activism focuses on showcasing the beauty of the natural world, inspiring awe and appreciation to motivate people to protect it. As the Rhythm of the Earth concert series prepares to captivate audiences, Ricky’s vision remains clear: music can be a powerful force for good, reminding us that change begins with individual actions.
For more information about the concert series, visit theleela.com.
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