In a year teeming with musical milestones, Dhruv Ghanekar’s Voyage 2 stands out as a truly groundbreaking work. Released in June 2024, this culturally rich album doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them, seamlessly blending global musical traditions with the powerful, often overlooked, voices of Indian women in folk music. Now, with India pinning its Grammy hopes on this album in multiple categories, Voyage 2 is much more than just an artistic endeavor; it’s a movement, a celebration, and a call to recognize the vibrant cultural heritage and the enduring strength of women in India’s Indigenous communities.
At the heart of Voyage 2 lies a deep commitment to empowering the voices of Indian women, specifically those rooted in folk traditions. Ghanekar’s vision is clear: to bring these powerful voices to the forefront, juxtaposing them with global sounds to create a truly unique musical experience. All ten tracks on the album feature female vocalists, each a powerhouse in her own right, representing the aspirations and dreams of their communities.
“Voyage 2 is a celebration of women in folk, with all vocalists on the 10-track album being women. The voices on this album represent the aspirations of their communities, echoing a call for respect, recognition, and empowerment,” Ghanekar explains. Through these collaborations, the album does more than just entertain; it champions the rights of these remarkable women and shines a spotlight on the cultural diversity they represent.
What makes Voyage 2 particularly striking is its fearless approach to fusing diverse global musical traditions with Indian folk. From Brazilian Samba to African pop, Balkan music to jazz, each track is a carefully crafted tapestry of sounds that both contrasts and complements the others. For Ghanekar, this fusion is not just a creative choice but a responsibility: “The approach is to find contrary styles and fuse them at a deep level with folk melodies from various regions of the country. Music is not static and is constantly evolving, therefore my responsibility as a composer is to draw from all these rich pieces of music from across the world and marry them to Indian sounds.”
The album opens with “Suprabhatam,” a powerful blend of ancient Sanskrit shlokas with drum and bass and hip-hop influences, setting the tone for the genre-defying journey that follows. Vocalist Nandini Srikar’s haunting rendition is supported by Ghanekar’s intricate guitar work and the rhythmic genius of bassist Mohini Dey and drummer Lindsay Dmello, making it a powerful statement of intent.
“Deuri,” another standout, merges traditional Assamese folk with jazz funk and Brazilian rhythms. Featuring the commanding voice of Kalpana Patowary, known for her deep-rooted connection to Assamese culture, the track takes listeners on a surprising journey that even includes an unexpected rap verse.
Tracks like “Nacho” and “Bego” bring the festive spirit of Rajasthan alive, with the iconic Ila Arun lending her voice to the vibrant sounds of Rajasthani folklore, fused with global influences like African guitars and Balkan horns. Meanwhile, “Jatra” is a masterclass in global collaboration, combining Marathi Lavani with Brazilian grooves and Norwegian folk tunes, all tied together by the charismatic vocals of Vaishali Samant.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Voyage 2 is the sheer scale of its global collaboration. Ghanekar’s meticulous process of selecting and working with musicians from around the world—without ever leaving his Mumbai studio—speaks to the new realities of music production in a post-COVID world. “One of the biggest fallouts of the post-COVID world is the comfort in collaborating without leaving our spaces. Voyage 2 in a way is a celebration of this new travelogue of meeting people from different parts of the globe without ever setting foot out of my studio,” Ghanekar notes.
This global tapestry includes contributions from dynamic bassist Tim Lefebvre, ace drummer Gino Banks, percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, and many others, all of whom brought their unique flavors to the album’s rich soundscape. The result is a work that not only bridges cultures but also creates something entirely new—music that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.
With Voyage 2, India is a strong contender for the Grammy Awards in multiple categories, including Global Music Performance, Global Music Album, and Best Arrangement (Instrumental and Vocal). The album’s innovative approach to blending global music traditions with Indian folk, coupled with its powerful message of women’s empowerment, makes it a standout entry in an increasingly competitive field.
Beyond the potential Grammy recognition, Voyage 2 is already making waves on the international music scene. The album has been embraced by college radio stations across North America, debuting on the Top 30 charts and receiving significant airplay on World Music programs. This global reach is a testament to the universal appeal of the album’s message and sound.
As the world tunes in to Voyage 2, it is not just hearing an album but a powerful call for respect, recognition, and empowerment for India’s Indigenous and folk communities. This is an album that honors the strength of Indian women, the resilience of their communities, and the rich cultural tapestry that makes India—and the world—so beautifully diverse.
Available now on all streaming platforms, Voyage 2 is an experience and a celebration of life in all its complexity and beauty.
