Helping Gen Z percussionists find their rhythm

‘Gen Z Beats’, an initiative to build a national network of young tabla artistes from Kerala, is set to begin this December under the leadership of percussionist Arjun Kaliprasad. The project will start with a series of free masterclasses from December 21 in Kozhikode.

Designed to identify and mentor at least 150 promising tabla players from across Kerala’s 14 districts, the project will initially offer two-day workshops led by a panel of four acclaimed tabla maestros. These sessions, named ‘Tabla Shibir’, will be held at select venues across the State, with 15 participants chosen from each district. The aim is to create a strong, inclusive network of Gen Z percussionists, providing opportunities for talented women and differently abled artistes as well.

“This dream of a national network was born out of long-standing discussions with my guru Umesh Moghe and other senior artistes. My goal is to ensure that young talents from my State get access to professional mentorship and global exposure,” Mr. Kaliprasad told The Hindu. “Starting the programme in Kozhikode also holds personal significance. This is where my musical journey gained momentum and continued. Launching such a dream project here is a truly blissful moment for me,” he adds.

The initiative is guided by an expert panel of seasoned artistes, including Pandit Ravindra Yavagal, Pandit Umesh Moghe, Sumith Naik, and celebrated performer Karthik Bhat. The year-long programme will culminate in the official formation of the ‘Gen Z Beats’ network, with plans to expand similar initiatives to other States.

Mr. Kaliprasad’s recent European tour—where he collaborated with Eurythmy, a European expressive movement art—brought him international recognition. He currently trains over 25 students from India and abroad and views the initiative as a natural extension of his mission to connect emerging artistes with global platforms.

Mr. Kaliprasad, a native of Thrissur and currently based in Pune, began his musical journey at the age of nine under the guidance of renowned tabla artiste Unniraj Kanimangalam. After his mentor’s departure, he continued his studies at Pookkad Kalalayam in Kozhikode at the age of 16 under tabla guru Sivaraman Chemancheri. Over the years, he has received multiple national and international accolades, including the Best Young Musician Scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Ministry of Culture, and recognition from the National Centre for Performing Arts. He holds both a graduate and postgraduate degree in tabla, earning gold medals and first rank from the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubhai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysore.

This 28-year-old performer also hopes to secure support from State and central cultural bodies to expand the project. “We aim to soon establish a nationwide network of emerging talents under this initiative, where young artistes will have easy access to collaborations, learning opportunities, and international musical exchanges for unique projects,” he adds.