Former Radlett resident Jahnavi Harrison has gained major recognition this year after battling for a Grammy and receiving an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University.
Jahnavi, who studied Linguistics and Creative Writing at Middlesex, was nominated for a Grammy, as the event took place in Los Angeles this February.
She then returned to the university for its graduation ceremony to receive the university honour in recognition of her international work as a musician, composer, author and cultural ambassador.
Speaking to Radlett&ShenleyNews, Jahnavi looked back on her successful year.
She said: “I’m so grateful for the recognition and encouragement I’ve received this year. It’s been humbling, affirming and sometimes surreal.
“With the dawn of AI truly upon us, I think music and art made by human hearts and minds is more vital than ever. As we move into the final stretch of 2026, I’m revisiting all the amazing moments and hope to create and share more for many decades to come.”
Middlesex University’s orator was full of praise for Jahnavi, highlighting that the musician’s work connects art, spiritual tradition and community engagement.
The orator said: “In an era of smartphones and algorithm-driven social media, we face more sources of distraction than ever before. However, our very human desire for connection with others, for reflection, and for inner peace remains unchanged.
“Responding to this moment, a new generation of artists and creatives has emerged, addressing these themes in a new and global context. Amongst them, it is my privilege to introduce Jahnavi Harrison, an internationally recognised musician, composer and cultural ambassador, whose work fuses art, spiritual tradition and community engagement.”
This recognition comes after her latest album, Into the Forest, earned a Grammy nomination, adding to a body of work that includes the critically acclaimed recordings Like a River to the Sea and RISE, a collaboration with American recording artist Willow Smith.
The artist has also built a reputation as a broadcaster and public communicator, sharing reflections on spirituality, culture and wellbeing with audiences on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 2 for more than a decade.
Her work has established her as an advocate for inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding, alongside her career as a performer, composer and author.
For people in Radlett, where Jahnavi spent her early years, the latest honour adds to a remarkable period of recognition for a former resident.
Feature image: Jahnavi Harrison
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