Ramesh Shotham’s Mission: Taking the Thavil Global
Renowned percussionist Ramesh Shotham has spent decades bridging Indian classical music with global sounds, transforming the thavil into a cross-cultural rhythmic force. In an exclusive interview, he reveals his journey, innovations, and the future of fusion music.
The Thavil: South India’s Rhythmic Powerhouse
The thavil, a barrel-shaped drum from Tamil Nadu, is a cornerstone of Carnatic music and temple rituals. Known for its thunderous resonance, it’s traditionally paired with the nadaswaram (a reed instrument). But Shotham saw untapped potential:
“The thavil isn’t confined to temples—it’s a rhythmic chameleon. Its depth cuts through jazz, rock, even electronic beats.”
From Chennai to Cologne: A Fusion Odyssey
Shotham’s career pivoted when he moved to Germany in the 1980s, joining avant-garde bands like Embryo and Talking Drums. His collaborations with Egyptian group Drummers of the Nile fused thavil patterns with African and Arabic grooves, proving its universal appeal:
“When cultures collide rhythmically, magic happens. The thavil became our common language.”
Innovating Without Losing Tradition
Adapting the thavil posed challenges:
– Technique: Played with hands and a kucchi (small stick), unlike Western drumsticks.
– Technology: Shotham pioneered synthetic heads and live electronic processing for broader stages.
Purists questioned changes, but he stood firm:
“Evolution keeps traditions alive. A thavil loop in a techno track? That’s progress.”
The Future: Cross-Cultural Beats & Youth Engagement
Shotham now mentors young artists, advocating experimentation:
– Electrifying the Thavil: Partnering with producers to sample its sounds.
– Global Projects: Upcoming album with Senegalese drummers.
His mantra?
“Honor your roots, but play for the world.”
