American-Indian rapper and global music icon Raja Kumari made headlines this week after becoming the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award. At the star-studded 51st AMA ceremony in Los Angeles, she clinched the ‘Favourite Soundtrack’ award for her powerful anthem Renegade, featured in Arcane: League of Legends Season 2.
Returning to the U.S. after a brief visit to India, Raja Kumari was spotted at the airport on Friday, where she addressed both her milestone achievement and the recent controversy surrounding Indian rapper Emiway Bantai.
Speaking on the extortion threat received by Emiway’s record label, Bantai Records, which followed the release of his emotional track Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala, Raja Kumari expressed solidarity with artists using their platform to honor legends , “I think everybody has the right to pay tribute to an artistry that they respect. Sidhu will always be a legend,” she stated firmly. “No artist should be threatened for showing love or admiration for someone who inspired them.”
The extortion threat, reportedly demanding Rs 1 crore along with a warning of potential harm, has sparked concern within India’s independent music community. Though Emiway has not issued a detailed public response, support from artists like Raja Kumari adds a strong voice to the ongoing conversation about freedom of expression in music.
Raja Kumari also reflected on her AMA victory with humility and pride, saying, “I won an American Music Award at home . Some work, making music, working on a new album—that’s what’s next.” Known for blending her South Asian roots with fierce hip-hop energy, Raja Kumari has long been a trailblazer in the global music scene. Her win at the AMAs not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a growing recognition of South Asian artistry on the world stage.
Fans eagerly await more details about her upcoming album, which she hints will dive deeper into identity, resilience, and global collaboration.