On the cusp of adulthood, Swiss-Indian singer-songwriter Ridi Oswal is already making waves in the pop world and has established herself in the global South Asian community as a GenZ popstar to watch out for. At just 19 years old, this emerging pop sensation has begun to carve her path in the music industry, with top-of-the-line collaborations with Mousse T and Sky Adams already featuring in her wide-ranging discography. With a sound that soulfully reflects her vibrant heritage, Ridi is known for interlacing her Eastern lineage with Western influences in her pop music.
Growing up in Switzerland, where the Indian population was scarce, Ridi Oswal faced numerous challenges. She was often the target of bullying in school, mocked for her accent, cultural background, and even her food preferences. However, Ridi’s resilience shone through as she found solace in music, immersing herself in jazz classes at the age of 8. Music became her refuge, her sanctuary from the harsh realities of adolescence. As she matured, Ridi embraced her mixed cultural identity, recognising the richness and beauty it brought to her life. This newfound appreciation found its expression in her music, as she skillfully blended the traditional sounds of her Indian heritage with modern pop sensibilities.
But Ridi’s innovation extends beyond just her sound; it permeates her lyrics as well. She tackles themes of self-expression, cultural identity, and female empowerment, resonating with a global audience yearning for authenticity. Through her music, Ridi tells her story – a story of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing one’s heritage in a world that often seeks to homogenise. Oswal’s music transcends geographical boundaries, finding fans not just in her native Switzerland and India but also across the globe. As one fan puts it, ‘Ridi’s music is a breath of fresh air, a unique blend of east and west that speaks to the soul.’
Despite the challenges of carving a niche in the competitive pop world, Oswal’s innovative sound is gaining traction. Her music is a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage and using it to create something truly unique. Ridi has already released some great songs, including hits like ‘Guilty Feet,’ ‘Aaja Baby,’ and ‘Love Me Till You Lose Me,’ which have become chart-toppers in India. With an impressive 79K streams on Spotify and 27.1K subscribers on YouTube, she has garnered attention as one of the youngest artists in the industry. With a mission to continually expand and experiment with her creative aptitude and multi-dimensional artistry, Ridi has often been compared to the likes of artists such as Lorde, Fiona Apple and Billie Eilish.
Ridi Oswal’s impact extends far beyond the world of music. She aspires to be a role model for young, aspiring artists, especially those of mixed heritage, encouraging them to stay true to their identities. Inspired by her own experiences of bullying, Ridi and her sister Vasundhara have co-founded Stop The B, an anti-bullying initiative. Through this platform, Ridi uses her voice to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance, empowering others to stand up against discrimination.
Indeed, Ridi Oswal’s journey as a musical innovator and cultural trailblazer is sure to endure as she continues to break boundaries and forge sonic victories. Ridi wants her legacy to be one of courage, creativity, and resilience, and through her music and activism, she aims to break down barriers, forge new paths, and leave an indelible mark on the world of pop music.
As she continues to chart her course, one thing is certain – the best is yet to come for this rising star.