Picture a group of musicians from different corners of the world gathering in a studio—Brazilian samba experts, African pop maestros, Indian folk legends, and Balkan brass players. The diversity in their backgrounds hints at an eclectic mix of sounds, but how would all these musical traditions blend into one album? Now imagine this creation coming to life partly online, with artists collaborating from across the globe due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the story of Dhruv Ghanekar’s latest masterpiece, Voyage 2, a genre-defying album that celebrates cultural diversity, women’s empowerment, and the power of global collaboration.
In a career spanning over 25 years, Dhruv Ghanekar has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. A celebrated multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Dhruv has worked with some of the most renowned artists globally, including A.R. Rahman, Richard Bona, and Zakir Hussain. His accolades are numerous, from over two dozen international awards to scoring music for more than 4,000 commercials. Dhruv’s versatility is evident in his work, from producing music for films like Bombay Boys and Drona to being a founding partner of blueFrog, the iconic venue that spearheaded India’s indie music revolution.
Reflecting on his journey, Dhruv shares, “It has been an exciting and wild ride, and the casting of each musician for every song has been something I have put a lot of careful thought into. 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.”
Voyage 2 is more than just an album – it’s India’s entry to the Grammy Awards in several categories, including Global Music Performance, Best Engineered Album, and Best Immersive Audio. The album is a bold tribute to the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Indigenous, Tribal, and folk communities in India, spotlighting the powerful voices of women who drive positive change within their communities. The opening track, “Suprabhatam,” sets the tone with a unique blend of Sanskrit shlokas, drum and bass, and hip-hop influences, featuring the vocals of long-time collaborator Nandini Srikar. Another standout track, “Deuri,” draws inspiration from Assamese folk music and infuses it with jazz funk, Brazilian rhythms, and an unexpected rap verse, showcasing the versatility of vocalist Kalpana Patowary.
As the album progresses, it continues to explore and fuse global sounds with Indian folk traditions. The seventh track, “Jadu,” is a vibrant mix of Rajasthani and drum and bass, with reggae and dub influences, all enhanced by the commanding presence of Ila Arun. “Rasiya Chuneri” takes a nostalgic trip to the Motown era, blending funk with Rajasthani folk elements. The penultimate track, “Charkha,” is a beautiful fusion of Rajasthani folk and African pop, once again highlighting Dhruv’s ability to seamlessly merge contrasting styles. The album closes with “Assam,” a cinematic piece that pays homage to the beauty and cultural richness of Assam, featuring the evocative vocals of Kalpana Patowary.
A significant part of what makes Voyage 2 so special is the incredible lineup of collaborators Dhruv has brought together. Names like Mohini Dey, an exceptional bassist known for her virtuosic skills, and Taufiq Qureshi, a renowned percussionist, add depth and texture to the album’s soundscapes. The album also features dynamic international artists such as Tim Lefebvre, who has worked with legends like David Bowie, and drummer Gino Banks, known for his versatility across genres. “Half of the collaborators are artists that I have worked with before and the other half are new connections,” Dhruv reveals. This balance of familiar faces and fresh talent has resulted in an album that feels both rooted and exploratory, a true testament to the global nature of the project.
Interestingly, the process of creating Voyage 2 was as diverse as the music itself. Many of the tracks were recorded in different parts of the world, with Dhruv coordinating everything from his studio in Mumbai. “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,” Dhruv reflects. This approach not only allowed for a more inclusive collaboration process but also added a unique layer to the album’s sonic landscape, making it a truly global project.
In recent developments, Voyage 2 has achieved notable success on college radio, spending a week as the #2 Most Added at World. The album was featured as an official World add at seven stations, including WDWN, WRRG, and CJLO, and was also added at KLKT, CFRU, and WHFR. It debuted impressively on Top 30 charts at KLKT (#2) and WDBM (#29), and entered the World chart at KXLU (#7).
Voyage 2 is a testament to Dhruv Ghanekar‘s mastery as a composer and producer, standing out in the world music scene for its bold fusions and cultural collaborations. It’s an album that not only honors the rich traditions of Indian folk music but also pushes the boundaries of what global music can be. As we gear up for the Grammy Awards in February 2025, Voyage 2 is a must-listen—an album that deserves to be streamed, celebrated, and supported. Let’s rally behind these remarkable artists and the incredible stories they bring to life through this musical odyssey.
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