Ricky Kej Discusses Artists' Role in Addressing Social Issues at Sustainability Conclave

Ricky Kej on the Role of Artists

Ricky Kej, the Grammy Award-winning Indian composer, recently shared his insights on the responsibilities artists hold regarding social issues during the Sustainability Conclave 2026. He emphasized the importance of artists being well-informed about the issues they discuss. In a conversation with Zaka Jacob, the Managing Editor, Kej reflected on his journey into activism, stating that he now prefers to identify as an advocate.

Artists and Their Social Responsibilities

During the event, Kej remarked, "It is crucial for artists to be aware of the issues they address, rather than merely being a spokesperson for every issue out there." He recounted his earlier days as an 'aggressive activist', admitting that he was initially confrontational in his approach. However, his travels across India, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America led him to a significant realization.

Kej noted that he identified two primary categories of problems: survival and thriving. In developed nations, survival issues are largely addressed, with access to basic necessities like food and shelter. In contrast, he pointed out that in the global South, survival is a daily challenge, while thriving is often seen as a luxury.

Challenges in the Global South

He further explained that issues such as poverty, hunger, education, and gender inequality must be prioritized before addressing environmental concerns. Kej expressed that climate change is often viewed as a thriving issue rather than a survival one in these regions. He concluded by stating that Western narratives do not effectively apply to the Indian context.

Ricky Kej is a three-time Grammy Award winner and has also received the Padma Shri award for his contributions to music.