Bringing forth diverse percussion sounds from the local and global streets to Bengaluru’s iconic Jayamahal Palace on 18th March 2023 is the Mahindra Group’s latest cultural initiative, the Mahindra Percussion Festival. For its very edition, the one-day festival has unveiled an exciting line-up of homegrown and international percussion artists to celebrate the genre and start mainstream cultural conversation around it.
The festival stage is all set to witness a remarkable range of artists nurture never-seen-before collaborations with ensembles beyond Indian shores. The line-up includes the versatile percussionist Ranjit Barot, with over three decades of experience in the music industry, serving as the festival’s curator and performing artist.
He will be joined by prominent multi-percussionist A. Shivamani (World Percussions), who has played the drums for numerous Kollywood and Bollywood films like Rang De Basanti, Swades, Dil Se, Guru, Lagaan, and Rockstar and hits like Chaiya Chaiya and Nadaan Parindey. At the same time, legendary percussionist of Carnatic tradition and leading kanjira player of his generation, V. Selvaganesh will entertain the audiences with his impeccable creative style.
Sharing the stage will be the Chemmeen Band, alongside Kerala’s popular Chenda percussion band Aattam Kalasamithi. Meanwhile, setting the attendees’ pulse racing with a dose of powerful performances is Pulse Conversation ft. Gino Banks, Vinayak Pol and Jai Row Kavi, alongside Mohini Dey, one of India’s leading bassist, pianist Arka Chakraborty and LA-Mumbai-based saxophonist Mark Hartsuch.
Likewise, the Ta Dhom Project by Viveick Rajagopalan will blend Konnakol – a unique vocal percussion derived from the sounds of Mridangam – and rap for a sound respecting its cultural origin while having its own identity, leaving the audiences in awe.
Additionally, celebrated global artists like multi-avant-garde instrumentalist Arto Tunçboyacıyan (of Armenian descent) and Spanish percussionist Paquito Gonzalez as part of the Paquito Ensemble, Spanish guitarist Jose Quevedo “Bolita” and Flamenco dancer Antonia Molina “El Choro” will mesmerise audiences with their enthralling performances.
The Mahindra Percussion Festival will showcase not just individual talent but embody a celebration of the rich and varied percussion music traditions from India and around the world. With established and emerging performers bringing their own creative style rooted in their respective cultures to the stage, the festival will prove to be a testament to the power of music in connecting and uniting people across cultures and borders.
Furthermore, the festival will offer a wholesome, immersive experience with art, interactive installations, photo-ops, food and beverage experiences, and more, all with a resounding percussion beat at its heart.