MUMBAI: World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21 across the globe. The day intends to promote peace and unite people of different nationalities, races, cultures, and ethnicity through music.  Also known as Fete de la Musique, World Music Day celebrates different genres like jazz, rock, classical, folk, traditional, and others.

Let’s hear what singer Nikitaa and Rapper Panther has to say why World Music Day is celebrated.

Nikitaa: The music we love is forever the soundtrack to our lives and poignant moments, but World Music Day is an opportunity to truly sit with the lasting impact music has on the body, mind and soul. Love of music is one of the few things science has not fully been able to decode, but it is clear that music speaks to the nervous system of the body, it speaks to our full range of emotions, and it validates our life experiences. It is a day to appreciate the joy that music brings to all our lives!

Rapper Panther: World Music Day is celebrated to honor and appreciate the profound impact that music has on our lives. Just like we dedicate specific days to celebrate fatherhood or the environment, this day recognizes the unique and universal power of music. Music is a blessing for humanity, capable of healing people from various emotional challenges. It has been an integral part of human existence for centuries, and its significance will endure for centuries to come. Music transcends boundaries, cultures, and languages, bringing people together and evoking emotions that words alone cannot express. By celebrating World Music Day, we acknowledge the timeless and everlasting presence of music in our lives.

On this day we wanna know which musicians inspired you to be who are today?

Nikitaa: I think my biggest inspiration remains Beyoncé. And even more so now - after the release of Renessaince. As a queer person, to see people like me celebrated so boldly and given so much space (considering this album was penned in collaboration with queer folks, and features queer folks and culture throughout) makes me so emotional. The queer community has originated many of the musical and dance genres we know and love today… I’m inspired by Beyoncé because she has never stopped paying homage to the people who paved the way for all of us present day artists to exist and feel free enough to create all of this music, and she does it with utter passion and sincerity!

Rapper Panther: To be honest my Father is the one i take inspiration from but if i have to take names for the artist who i admire and look up to for my music inspiration will be J.Cole. His talent, passion, and lyrical prowess have always captivated me. J. Cole's ability to craft meaningful and thought-provoking songs, delving into personal experiences and societal issues, is truly remarkable. His music resonates with me on a deep level, and I find myself inspired by his storytelling and the honesty in his lyrics. J. Cole's dedication to his craft and his continuous growth as an artist motivate me to strive to keep working passionately.