Donald Trump‘s ‘Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration‘ concert faced a lot of rejection from numerous artists, but finally got its performing artists in 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood and DJ RaviDrums, and Indian origin DJ and drummer who has previously performed at the 2009 Oscars when two nominated songs came from Slumdog Millionaire.
In a recent interview with Billboard, RaviDrums (real name Ravi Jakhotia) talks about playing at the concert, the reaction to his performance and much more. Check out some excerpts from the interview below.
On being asked about how he decided to perform at the show, he said:
It took a lot of considering. My political views were clearly in a different area. Last year was a brutal year for artists. The campaign was unlike anything America had seen before and the country was so divided. I have a song called “Peace and Love” and one called “When We’re Together” and “Shine Like the Sun.” These are all super positive songs about people coming together through music, and I thought, ‘man that’s what the world needs.’ I honestly believe music is healing. Music and food are the two things that can really bring people together, and that’s what I wanted to do.
Talking about taking a risk by playing at the concert, he revealed:
I had many friends begging or advising me to boycott. I even got offers of far more [money] to boycott. But if I put my word down, I do it. I was raised on hard work and ideals and the deep appreciation of America. So I wanted to celebrate that.
I’m happy I did it, I truly am. It’s just strange. I grew up in Florida and in California. All my California friends had one opinion, all my Florida friends had another opinion, and everyone wanted a way in, that’s for sure.
My father came to America with $8, no shoes and a one-way ticket from India. He had nothing. He came here for the pursuit of the America dream. And he got to watch his son perform at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. When I was little it was “I want a hamburger, pizza,” and when he was a kid, it was like, “We just wanted food or water.” They were that poor. So I asked my father immediately [about the offer] and he thought it was a great honor. He’s 80. He’s not gonna get to see me do it again. So you’re goddamn right I did it.
And he cried. It was beautiful. And my son got to come there, too, so I shared it with three proud generations of America. I was mainly there to show America isn’t made mainly of one color. There are a thousand skin tones of the America that is today and we all need to be recognized. And it was very hard, I’m not saying it wasn’t, but I’m happy I did it and I stand by it.
Check out a small clip of the drummer playing at the inaugural concert below:
H/T: Billboard
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