Shashika Mooruth reflects on a decade of Urja Music and her musical legacy
South African musician and producer Shashika Mooruth
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SOUTH AFRICAN musician and producer Shashika Mooruth marks a significant milestone in her career, 10 years of her music label, Urja Music.
Reflecting on her extensive journey in the music industry, Mooruth recalled how it all began in 2003, long before the advent of digital distribution and social media.
"I began very simply, from India, where I could produce music within a professional and structured industry. Urja Music was born out of a deep need to create my own songs and to have a platform where I could remain true to my inner calling, free from commercial pressure.
The name Urja Music is not only a tribute to Radharani, Krishna’s beloved consort, known for her singing talents, but also embodies the concept of energy, reflecting the belief that music can heal, uplift, and connect people.
Mooruth left South Africa in 1987 to study and pursue music in India.
"I faced many challenges, financial, social, and professional, but I remained committed to my soul’s calling," she said.
Early memories of singing at home and school instilled in her a profound connection to music.
"My move to India transformed my understanding of music completely. I realised that while Bollywood is popular, it is not the only form of musical expression. I wanted to learn classical and semi-classical genres. Over the years, I have evolved as a singer, producer, curator, and teacher and I am still a student, constantly learning and refining my craft," said Mooruth.
Her dedication bore fruit over the years, culminating in the production of 25 albums and nine singles of original music.
Highlights of her career include memorable performances with top names like Kishore Kumar, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, along with the success of numerous concerts she curated, such as the Heart to Heart experience starring Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman.
Today, her music is enjoyed across 62 countries on Spotify, 34 countries on Apple Music, and 17 countries on YouTube and has even reached the US Billboard charts.
This year not only marks a decade of Urja Music in South Africa but also the 50th anniversary of her stage debut at a concert led by Kishore Kumar in Durban.
Hit singles like “Krishna Jinka Naam Hai,” “Gopala,” and “Sweet Chant”, "Kaali Maa" (sung for the Hindi film Salaar), and Rafta Rafta, a duet with Sonu Nigam, have helped solidify her position in the industry.
Accolades such as the International Achievement Award from President Cyril Ramaphosa for her contribution to Indian music internationally as a South African and the Standard Bank Ovation Award for the production of Magic of Lata Mangeshkar concert highlighted her contributions to Indian music.
"While many more awards have come my way, I believe the greatest award is the heartfelt feedback I receive from listeners," she said.
Mooruth said she had the good fortune to interact and perform with Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, Adnan Sami, Udit Narayan, Bappi Lahiri, Sudesh Bhosle, Kumar Sanu, Jagjit Singh, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Sonu Nigam, and Arijit Singh to name a few.
She said in the future she plans to include expanding her sound-based workshops, curating meaningful musical experiences through intimate concerts, and continuing to share music as a tool for inner awakening and transformation.
"My advice to upcoming singers is to learn at least the basics of classical music. It is essential and has always been practiced and recommended by great singers, past and present. Make the effort to read, write, and speak the language in which you sing. Creating original music helps you grow deeper and stronger in your own artistic identity," said Mooruth.