Raja Kumari, a prominent Indo-American singer, songwriter, rapper, and recording artist, seamlessly blends classical Indian music with hip-hop. Her collaborations with renowned artists like Gwen Stefani and Iggy Azalea have solidified her position in the music industry.

Biography/Wiki

Svetha Yallapragada Rao, known professionally as Raja Kumari, was born on January 11, 1986, in Claremont, California. Currently 38 years old (as of 2024), she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies. Her upbringing fostered a deep connection to South Indian culture, thanks to her parents’ decision to enroll her in classical dance training at the young age of 7.

This training culminated in a performance where Pandit Ravi Shankar was a guest. Her introduction to hip-hop came unexpectedly through the Fugees’ album, The Score, during her fifth grade. By 14, she was a skilled freestyle MC, showcasing her remarkable talent early on.

Beyond her musical achievements, Kumari actively engages in humanitarian work. She’s contributed to the establishment of a hospital in Bangalore, a school for physically disabled children, and a meditation hall in South India. This dedication earned her recognition as a benefactor by the Foundation for Indic Philosophy and Culture.

Her contributions extend to receiving the Kohinoor Award for excellence in Classical Arts from the Governor of Tamil Nadu. This highlights her significant impact both musically and philanthropically.

Physical Appearance

Standing at approximately 5’8″ and weighing 70 kg, Raja Kumari possesses striking black eyes and hair.

Career

Kumari’s career as a songwriter began in 2013. She’s not only co-written songs but also provided background vocals and featured in numerous tracks. Notable collaborations include Fall Out Boy’s “Centuries,” Lindsey Stirling’s “Brave Enough,” and T.I.’s “Change Your Life.” Her contributions extend to albums by Gwen Stefani and Fifth Harmony.

Her musical journey includes a recording contract with Epic Records under L.A. Reid. In 2018, she collaborated with Divine on “The Roots,” and released her debut single, “Shook,” on November 16th of the same year. Adding to her diverse portfolio, she also contributed rap vocals to the Bollywood song “Husn Parcham,” composed by Ajay-Atul.

Favourite Things

Raja Kumari’s passions extend beyond music. She enjoys dancing and playing musical instruments. Her admiration for Bollywood stars is evident in her favorite actor, Shah Rukh Khan, and actress, Madhuri Dixit. Musically, she draws inspiration from Shakira, A.R. Rahman, and Taylor Swift. Her favorite colors are red, black, and gold.

Facts

Kumari’s accomplishments are numerous. She received a Grammy nomination in February 2015 for her work on “The New Classic”. She serves as a role model for many Asian-Americans and demonstrated her generosity by raising $80,000 in a single night through her dance performances. She affectionately refers to her unique musical style as “BollyHood”. Further highlighting her compassionate nature, she is a dedicated animal lover and previously owned a pet dog named Rambo.

Key Milestones in Raja Kumari’s Career