6 Famous Tabla Players You Should Know

With the growing popularity of Indian classical music, it’s no wonder that more and more people are becoming interested in learning how to play the tabla. With a history that dates back over two thousand years, tabla has evolved from its beginnings as a percussion instrument used by nomadic tribes to create a sound that is instantly identifiable and beloved by many.

Let’s take a look at 12 of the most prominent tabla players of all time.

1. Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain, a virtuoso tabla player, is the oldest son of Ustad Allah Rakha, who taught him the instrument. Hussain has been a pioneer in the industry and expanded awareness of the instrument by performing globally after great solo performances and collaborations with other incredible performers. He is known to be the best tabla player in India.

2. Anindo Chatterjee

Anindo Chatterjee began playing tabla at the age of 5, encouraged by his uncle. Chatterjee is regarded as one of the world’s top tabla players, having released 10 albums creating crystal-clear drum tunes.

3. Tanmoy Bose

Tanmoy Bose is an Indian percussionist and master tabla player. He is a musical producer, film actor, and composer who established the Taal Tantra Experience musical ensemble. Bose is well-known for his contributions to folk music and percussion in the modern era.

4. Swapan Chaudhuri

Swapan Chaudhuri is a tabla performer who is a sensation in the sphere of Indian Classical music. Chaudhuri is an exquisite pianist noted for his passionate expressiveness; he travels across Europe, North and South America, and Asia as a soloist and accompaniment.

5. Ahmed Jan Thirakwa

Ahmed Jan Thirakwa is generally considered a very well-known artist among the tabla players of the 20th century, and among the most significant instrumentalists in the history of Indian classical music. He was identified for his appealing values of numerous Tabla styles, technical flair, and expressive musicality.

6. Aneesh Pradhan

Aneesh Pradhan is a student of the legendary tabla master Nikhil Ghosh and one of India’s finest tabla musicians. Aneesh Pradhan, a prominent performer at the country’s most prestigious concerts and festivals, has also traveled extensively and played at important events abroad. He has also recorded extensively for national and international record companies, collaborating with a variety of vocalists and instrumentalists.

These six well-known tabla musicians are among the most popular names in Indian Classical Music today.

Despite the fact that their lives and techniques are quite different, they share one thing. Their commitment to their art. As tabla’s popularity grows in India, more people are becoming interested in taking tabla lessons.

Artium Academy is one of the top musical venues for learning and excelling in Tabla. Anyone over the age of six can take their online tabla class. Artium also provides a free trial session and 1:1 live classes that allow you to study at your own speed.

These are just a few benefits to name; attend their class and make tabla learning enjoyable.