"Many different calls to God can exist in harmony" - Sonam Kalra - Episode 57

Multiple award-winning singer and composer Sonam Kalra is that rare breed of musician who has been trained in both Indian and Western traditions of music and is equally adept at both. She has a beautiful, powerful voice with an honesty and sensitivity that is rare. But even more important than that is the fact, that she is a musician with a message. And it is this unique combination of all these qualities, that has taken her to prestigious stages across the world including The Sydney Opera House and MTV’s Coke Studio. Sonam’s unique brainchild, ‘Sonam Kalra & the Sufi Gospel Project’ which blends the many voices of faith through poetry, prayer and music to create one universal voice of faith, has earned her international critical acclaim. She has performed in over 30 countries at prestigious festivals and venues around the world and has shared the stage with legendary musicians like Sir Bob Geldof and Sufi Legend Abida Parveen. She has performed at the very prestigious Women in the World Summit organised by Media legend Tina Brown as well as for the global movement-One Billion Rising, The World Sufi Peace Festival at the Pyramids, The Royal Opera House Cairo, Muzaffar Ali’s World Sufi Festival Jahan-e- Khusrau, The World Sufi Spirit Festival RIFF in Jodhpur, The International Faiz Festival for Peace in Pakistan and at The Indo-African Summit for the Indian Prime Minister, President of India and 52 heads of African states, to name a few. Sonam has been felicitated for her work in music with many awards, including the Femina Woman of Worth Award, the Indian Express Devi Award, FICCI YFLO ‘Young Women Achiever’ award for her work in the field of music and the Global WIN Award for inspiring women worldwide. She has used her music to speak out for equality and issues ranging from child abuse, women’s rights and animal rights to helping raise money for cancer charities and education for children. She is known for using her voice for change and her creative, soulful and unique interpretation of sacred texts well as contemporary poetry. Her most recent musical offering, ' Hum Dekhenge' which was a response to the controversial Citizens Amendment Act, went viral and is being hailed as one of the most haunting versions of the song. She has also been invited to share her message of inclusion at many TED talks and WIN Conferences across the world. In this podcast we talk about : - Sonam & her journey into music - What music has taught her - The ethos behind the sufi gospel project - The concurrent themes of spiritual leaders & global faiths - Reflections about COVID 19 Sonam Kalra's Social Media Handle Website: sonamkalra.com Instagram : @sonamkalraofficial