Anoushka Shankar's Collaborations With Female Artists: A Deep Dive Into Her Musical Partnerships

Anoushka Shankar has carved a niche as a leading composer and sitar virtuoso globally. Her influence extends beyond her music, as she collaborates with prominent female artists, showcasing the transformative power of women in music. This article delves into her significant partnerships with female musicians, highlighting how these collaborations are reshaping the industry.

In 2013, Anoushka collaborated with her half-sister Norah Jones on the album "Traces of You." Norah's soulful voice enriched all vocal tracks, creating an emotional journey. The title track explores spiritual connections, while "The Sun Won't Set" and "Unsaid" reflect on their father Ravi Shankar's passing. This album received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 2014. Previously, Norah contributed to Anoushka and Karsh Kale's album "Breathing Under Water" with the song "Easy," and later on Anoushka's Grammy-nominated album "Love Letters, PS" with the track "Opening, Flowering, Drinking."

Anoushka collaborated with French-Cuban duo Ibeyi on the track "Lovable" from her album "Love Letters." Anoushka's sitar added melodic depth while Ibeyi's ethereal vocals enhanced the song. Notably, Anoushka also sang on this track herself, adding a rare vulnerability. Released in 2020, it was praised for its innovative sound.

Patti Smith

The iconic Patti Smith joined forces with Anoushka Shankar for "Knowledge of the Self," featured in Peradam, part of the Perfect Vision trilogy. Anoushka's sitar mastery complemented Smith's profound lyrical storytelling beautifully.

Alev Lenz

Anoushka worked with Turkish-German artist Alev Lenz on several projects. Alev first lent her voice to the title track of Anoushka's Grammy-nominated album "Land of Gold." She later produced Anoushka's album "Love Letters PS," bringing a stripped-back quality to it. Alev also contributed vocals to songs like "Wallet," "Sister Susannah," and "Bright Eyes," showcasing Anoushka's ability to blend traditional sitar sounds with contemporary music.

Shilpa Rao

In the poignant track "Those Words" from the Grammy-nominated album Love Letters, Anoushka collaborated with Indian playback singer Shilpa Rao and co-writer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Shilpa's haunting vocals enriched the composition while Anoushka played sitar and directed the music video remotely during lockdown.

Arooj Aftab

Anoushka teamed up with Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab on Arooj's song "Usher Na." Later, Arooj produced 'Chapter I: Forever, For Now.' Both artists contributed to the music while Anoushka showcased her sitar skills to enhance its melodic depth.

MIA

Anoushka collaborated with MIA for "Jump In (Cross The Line)" from her album Land of Gold. This project addressed the humanitarian refugee crisis through music. While Anoushka explored bluesy tones on her sitar, MIA added hypnotic depth through vocals and production.

Nikita Gill

Anoushka partnered twice with poet Nikita Gill to explore themes of womanhood and feminism. In "Sister Susannah," they narrate coercive control through a satirical love letter voiced by Anoushka over looped sitar. In "In Her Name," they mark ten years since a horrific gang-rape in New Delhi in 2012, questioning societal changes since then. Again, Anoushka narrated over her own sitar effectively.

Meanwhile, Anoushka Shankar has earned two Grammy nominations: one for Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn in Best New Age Album category and another for A Rock Somewhere in Best Global Performance category. She is preparing for a busy schedule including a US tour in March 2025 and an India tour in December 2025 alongside releasing Chapter III: We Return to Light slated for February-March 2025.