Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Ricky Kej’s DAMROOH Tour Brings Symphonic Spectacle Across India
Ricky Kej is taking a large new music show called DAMROOH to arenas in India.
It will bring together many musicians and mix orchestral music with electronic sounds and Indian musical traditions.
Kej says the show is inspired by the damru and by the idea that people and nature are connected.
The tour will support UNICEF, which works for children.
It is planned to begin in Bengaluru on October 31, with later shows in New Delhi NCR and Mumbai.
Kej says artificial intelligence can help musicians with some tasks, but artists should keep creating fresh and unusual music.
He also says environmental solutions need to fit the needs of each community.
His concerts try to reduce their environmental impact, though he says staging events still affects the environment.
Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej is launching his biggest India tour, titled DAMROOH: Dance To The Cosmic Spirit.
The symphonic arena show blends electronic dance music with Indian classical, tribal and folk traditions, supported by visuals and a narrative.
The tour supports UNICEF and is scheduled to open in Bengaluru on October 31, followed by New Delhi NCR on November 28 and Mumbai on December 5.
Kej says AI can help composers with mock-ups and generic music, but argues that original work without precedent remains a human challenge.
He says environmental messaging should account for local needs, and describes efforts to reduce concert emissions through practices such as carpooling, solar-powered daytime rehearsals and zero-waste planning.
- Who
- Ricky Kej, joined by guest singers, instrumentalists and percussionists.
- What
- A large-scale India arena tour called DAMROOH: Dance To The Cosmic Spirit, supporting UNICEF.
- When
- The tour is scheduled to open October 31, followed by dates on November 28 and December 5; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Bengaluru, New Delhi NCR and Mumbai; Hyderabad and Chennai dates are to be announced.
- Why
- Kej says the show connects music, spirituality and environmental coexistence, and he wants to present a large-scale performance with musicians he admires.
Kej’s views
Contrasting considerations
AI and music
Kej’s views
Kej sees AI as a useful composing tool for mock-ups and generic music, and believes musicians can focus on fresh work without precedent.
Contrasting considerations
He warns that AI may take over generic music assignments that would otherwise go to human composers.
Environmental messaging
Kej’s views
Kej favors inspiring people to protect nature by helping them love and understand it.
Contrasting considerations
He acknowledges that urgent, direct messaging can be effective in the short term, including in pressuring world leaders, though he doubts it has the same long-term effect.
Concert sustainability
Kej’s views
Kej describes steps including carpooling, public transport, daytime solar-powered rehearsals, zero-waste planning and carbon-footprint mitigation.
Contrasting considerations
He says concerts still have environmental impacts from energy use, transport and travel, even when their footprint is mitigated.
- Tour name
- DAMROOH: Dance To The Cosmic Spirit
- Producer
- Wizcraft
- Tour partner
- UNICEF
- Opening show
- Terraform Arena, Bengaluru, October 31
- Other announced dates
- New Delhi NCR on November 28; Mumbai on December 5
- Additional cities
- Hyderabad and Chennai dates are to be announced
- Kej’s awards
- Three Grammy Awards and the Padma Shri
- Expected stage ensemble
- Kej says 40 to 50 musicians will perform on stage