Live Report: Priya Ragu at 3 All For Music

Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu appeared at the 3 All For Music stage on the last day of Electric Picnic. Performing alongside her brother and producer Japhna Gold, she delivered an authentic and passionate set.

Ragu's Tamil roots are in the forefront of her music. She credits her "distinctive vocal cadence and silky r&b and vibrant electro beats" largely to her heritage and Tamil influences.

She opened her set with latest single release 'Illuminous', which came out this past March. The song began with Gold introducing the singer as she emerged on stage in jean shorts and cool shades. Next she performed 'Good Love 2.0', her debut single which saw her rise to prominence.

Ragu told an inspiring story in a melodic tune as her band laid down a chill track. "Am I real enough? Can I write my own songs? If I did write my own songs, who would listen? So I didn't do anything for a year. And then I got a call. 'Ring ring! Priya Ragu? Man Priya, I was trying for the longest time to reach you. This is the universe calling. I have one request for you. Just write one song, and I'll take care of the rest,'" she said.

In an interview with Hot Press in June 2022, she explained how she used to work an office job from eight to six, and how unhappy she was. She challenged herself to quit her job and pursue a music career- and the rest was history.

Next she played 'Forgot About Me', an emotional song "for all the ex lovers." Ragu pointed out some tears in the audience after this heartfelt rendition.

Ragu explained how once a year she gets together with her family and they write a song together. Her father is a musician as well, along with her and her brother. She performed the song they had composed together this year, in the Tamil language. Ragu has spoken about how important it was to her parents "to bring in the culture to ensure that I didn’t forget where I was from" in an interview with The Guardian. "Tamil is the language I speak. Why not put it in my songs?"

With the 3 All For Music tent filled with many fans full-on dancing, Ragu and her band were able to create an incredible vibe on Sunday evening-despite being at the end of the long rainy weekend.

She closed out the set with 'Chicken Lemon Rice', yelling "You know this song!"

"Make some noise for Priya Ragu ladies and gentleman," Gold exclaimed.