Anoushka Shankar’s Empowering Collaborations with Female Artists.

Anoushka Shankar is a dynamic composer and sitar virtuoso, known for her groundbreaking collaborations with female artists. These partnerships highlight her role in reshaping the music industry and empowering women musicians. Here’s a look at some of her most influential collaborations.

Norah Jones: A Sisterly Connection

In 2013, Anoushka teamed up with her half-sister Norah Jones for the album Traces of You. Norah’s soulful vocals brought emotional depth to tracks like “Traces of You,” “The Sun Won’t Set,” and “Unsaid,” which reflect on their father, Ravi Shankar’s passing. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 2014. Norah also contributed vocals to Anoushka’s Breathing Under Water and Love Letters, PS.

Ibeyi: Fusion of Cultures

In 2020, Anoushka collaborated with the French-Cuban duo Ibeyi on “Lovable” from Love Letters. The track blends Ibeyi’s ethereal vocals with Anoushka’s sitar, and features her own vocals for the first time, adding a rare vulnerability. The song was praised for its innovative sound.

Patti Smith: A Legendary Pairing

Anoushka joined forces with rock icon Patti Smith for the track “Knowledge of the Self” from Peradam. Shankar’s sitar playing complemented Smith’s poetic storytelling, creating a transcendent piece that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Alev Lenz: Minimalism and Emotion

Turkish-German artist Alev Lenz collaborated with Anoushka on Land of Gold and Love Letters PS. Lenz’s minimalist production style brought a fresh, intimate quality to Shankar’s music. She also contributed vocals to tracks like “Wallet,” “Sister Susannah,” and “Bright Eyes.”

Shilpa Rao: A Haunting Voice

In Love Letters, Shankar worked with Indian playback singer Shilpa Rao on the track “Those Words.” Rao’s emotive vocals added depth to the composition, while Anoushka also directed the music video remotely during the lockdown, showcasing her creativity.

Arooj Aftab: A Meeting of Musical Minds

Anoushka collaborated with Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab on the song “Usher Na” and later invited her to produce Chapter I: Forever, For Now. Aftab’s production brought a modern edge to Shankar’s sitar, enhancing the emotional depth of their music.

M.I.A.: Advocacy Through Music

Anoushka and M.I.A. teamed up for “Jump In (Cross the Line)” from Land of Gold. The song, addressing the refugee crisis, combined Anoushka’s sitar with M.I.A.’s vocals, highlighting the urgency of global issues.

Nikita Gill: Poetry and Music Unite

Anoushka’s recent collaboration with poet Nikita Gill blends spoken word with sitar music, demonstrating Shankar’s ability to merge different forms of art for a powerful emotional impact.