My music celebrates inclusiveness, says Indian-origin Grammy nominee Falguni Shah

Falguni Shah known as Falu has a unique distinction. She became the only Indian- origin woman to be nominated in the Best Children’s Music Album at the Grammys twice. She has been nominated for Grammy 2021 in the Best Children’s Album section for her music album A Colourful World along with Mexican duo Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (Crayon Kids), Spanish musicians 123 Andrés (Actívate), 1 Tribe Collective (All One Tribe) that features 26 artistes from a black family and American politician, musician and academic Pierce Freelon (Black to the Future).The awards that were supposed to take place on January 31 in Los Angeles have been pushed back due to the Omicron driven wave in the United States. The NRG singer speaks to us about the album, being a woman of colour to be nominated at Grammys and her roots in India in a chat.
‘The mood in the album is happy and positive. It celebrates inclusiveness'
Talking about what brought the album a Grammy nomination, the singer explains, “The album was written keeping all children in mind regardless of their race, backgrounds or ethnicity. It was meant to be a fun album for children that would uplift them amid the pandemic. These are really difficult times for children. The mood of the album is happy and positive and it celebrates unity, inclusiveness and how our world can be conceived as colourful. My music is all about transcending boundaries and I feel music can really connect people. That really makes me happy as an artiste and it is gratifying. ”
The album was made by people from diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds. I think that is the message that resonated with the community and hence the nomination.” Falguni believes that if Grammys go online, it will not affect her as a musician, “The potential for future collaborations is always there, whether the Grammys are in person or virtually,” she says.
‘The Grammy nominations are based on music excellence’
Last year, the Children’s music category at the Grammys was mired in a controversy. Three of the five nominees in the Children's music category refused to accept their nominations, while supporting Black Lives Matter movement. The controversy led to a few changes in the norms. Ask her if the controversy has made the jury select more people of colour and she is quick to reply, “The Grammy nominations are selected by peer voting members, and it's based on music excellence.”
Falguni, who has worked with a diverse group of people for her album, believes it gives the songs a very different sound palette. She says, “Everyone provides a different flavour based on personal experiences, backgrounds and abilities.” After going to the US, Falguni created a genre in music called 'Indie Hindi’. She says, “I think people have loved it because it's fresh and inviting.”
‘Music is not only a tool for entertainment, but it also heals’
Falguni has worked with AR Rahman's team and also sung at the White House. Asked about what she wishes as a musician as we are living amid a pandemic, she says, “As a singer, I wish that more people listen to my songs and are touched by them. I practise and always strive to give the best of myself to the audience. I'm looking forward to creating more music. With COVID, it has become even more important to make music. Music is not only a tool for entertainment, but it also heals.”
Talking about doing live performances in other countries, Falguni says, “Any opportunity that gives me a chance to travel, I am always willing to explore that. Music has no boundaries and I believe in that.”
‘I feel technology saved us from feeling total isolation’
The singer has her roots in Mumbai and Surat. In an earlier interview with us, she had mentioned that she would want to sing in Gujarati. Ask her if that dream has come true yet and she says, “I am still dreaming of singing in Gujarati. If a proper opportunity arises, I would be very happy to consider it!”
Falguni hasn’t been able to travel to India for the last two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, “I think technology saved us from feeling total isolation. I use video calls and WhatsApp to communicate with my family in Surat. It hasn't been the same as seeing them in person, but at least I can see them and be in touch with them,” adds the singer.