Go Away With … Radhika Vekaria

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
September 24, 2024

Born in the United Kingdom to Indian parents from East Africa, multi-instrumentalist Radhika Vekaria now resides in the United States – Los Angeles to be exact. Her multicultural upbringing speaking several languages at home is evident on her latest album, “Warriors of Light,” which offers dreamy vocals in English, Tamil, Sanskrit and Hindi. When Vekaria performs live, it’s not just with the likes of the late Prince, but also in collaboration with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Nicholas Siegler, spiritual leader Deepak Chopra and Grammy Award-winning violinist Nathalie Bonin. Vekaria stays in touch with her fans via Instagram, Threads and Facebook accounts.

Q: What was it like performing with the late Prince?
A: [It was] a truly surreal experience, especially to be one of only four people allowed to watch him soundcheck and play “The Beautiful Ones.” This was in my hometown, London, for Prince’s famous O2 Arena [concert residency].

Q: Where did you work on “Warriors of Light”?
A: This album was made all over. Mixes and ideas were jotted down between planes and late nights. I do vocals best in a studio. However, my best ideas and inspiration come at home late at night after meditation in my special corner.

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?
A: My trips consist of performances these days. I’m excited to go to the East Coast and then hopefully India in the new year! I want to spend more time there in the next few years.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I don’t tend to revisit places twice unless it’s for work. However, a place I’ve visited often is Sedona, Arizona. It’s only an eight-hour drive from Los Angeles and I always feel incredibly rejuvenated there. The red rocks and vortexes are so powerful and re-balance my system.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Myanmar. The people, the culture, the history, the faith. It’s simply incredible. The preservation of their way of [life] is something to behold. It’s like experiencing a time capsule and you really do feel it is the home of Buddha’s teachings. And the food is some of the best I’ve ever had. It’s so clean and naturally organic. The flavors are influenced by its surroundings – Thailand, India, China, Bay of Bengal and Laos. My waist came back happy, but unwilling to fit into any of my clothes! And Ngapali Beach in Myanmar is truly a stand-out paradise. I ate mango so sweet I cried.

Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?
A: My parents were born in Kenya, so I remember going to Maasai Mara National Reserve when I was five years old. One day, I saw a family of lions and lionesses feasting on a wildebeest, and a cheetah winning its chase of a gazelle. It was pure and raw nature. I learned very early in my path that we are just a small part of the life that pulses on this planet and the natural kingdom is good without our interference.

Q: Which were some of your most memorable vacations?
A: I’ve traveled to East Africa since I was young. And my grandparents are from India and I’ve been there several times. I have traveled through Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bangalore, Hampi andGoa. Also, I performed at the MTV India awards in Bombay.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: That experience is the only way to know anything about yourself. Remaining curious and walking in wonder allows this – including the art of listening beyond language.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: That’s a tough one! I love all kinds of food. Growing up in London, we’re really spoiled with a great variety of cuisines. I love fine dining and the experience of it. However, eating with our hands is ayurvedically considered a better way to digest and enjoy food, so I guess a food truck. I grew up eating many Indian meals with my hands, so it feels a bit more primal and connected to my ancestry too.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Sedona or Joshua Tree – anywhere I [can] see the stars unobstructed.

Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: South Africa. We surprised my mum for her birthday. We did the Garden Route and the Drakensberg mountains. To this day, it is a favorite of my whole family.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: Yes, I speak Gujarati, a little French and Spanish, and a little bit of Hindi, though I’m looking for a good teacher! There were multiple languages in my home, including Swahili, too. This got me used to different sounds of the world.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: London, New York, Florence, Cape Town, Paris.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Antarctica.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: My sleep mask and ear plugs. I just cannot sleep with any light in the room or noise. My BetterSleep app and lavender scents. I need to be in a sound and smell cocoon.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Pain au chocolat. Doesn’t matter where I go, if I see it that’s it.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I used to do a lot, now I do a lot less. I find that the experience just happens best when you talk to people.

Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: Jumping out of a plane at 15,000 over Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Worst memory was having food poisoning just as I was setting out on the Jomsom trek in Nepal. It really is not the best way to start a trek through Annapurna, but we did it anyway!

© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
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