Biography
INTRODUCTION:
As a percussionist, Thavil Raja blends the richness of Carnatic music with the dynamism of Jazz fusion, carving a unique niche in the world music panorama. Affectionately called ‘Thavil’ Raja by peers and admirers alike, his 3-decade long career is driven by an exploration of transcultural musical collaborations.
From performing in sacred precincts of temples to the pulsating energy of cultural gatherings, Raja’s rhythmic journey continues unabated, as he traverses the length and breadth of India, spreading the transformative power of music to audiences far and wide.
Early Life and Musical Training
Rooted in a lineage of musical luminaries, Raja’s journey began under the tutelage of his father, the esteemed Thavil exponent KV Kodandarama, and his grandfather, the illustrious ‘Nadaswara’ maestro Ayyampettai ‘Thavil’ Krishnappa. Drawing inspiration from these hallowed traditions, Raja embarked on a lifelong quest for artistic excellence, honing his craft under the guidance of Thavil scholar CM Rajagopal at the iconic Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams..
Through his performances Raja has captivated diverse audiences by infusing each beat with a palpable energy and infectious joy. Starting in the mid-1990s Raja’s notable collaborations include projects like Layataranga and Layavinyasa that provided a base for Raja to grow as a touring artist.
Artistic Evolution
A torchbearer for the venerable Thavil tradition, Raja has elevated this ancient instrument to unprecedented heights, seamlessly blending its thunderous resonance with a kaleidoscope of genres, from classical and folk to jazz and Latin rhythms.
After nearly a decade together. Raja is the beating heart of Saagara, an enthralling ensemble that marries Indo Jazz Carnatic melodies within a contemporary aesthetic. Founded by Raja’s mentor and percussion luminary Sri Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam), Sagara includes Waclaw Zimpel (Clarinet), Bhargava Halambi (Khanjira and Morsing) and Mysore Karthik (Violin) it is a cultural convergence with dedicated audiences across diverse ages and regions.
Thavil Raja has also been a long-time collaborator of Vasu Dixit and Swarathma having performed numerous shows together across India. In recent years Thavil Raja has also collaborated with indi-fusion icon Raghu Dixit on studio sessions and for live performances received with great interest across the country. Raja is also in an active collaboration with composer and multi-instrumentalist Sanjeev T on his upcoming album, apart from regular live performances with his band.
Raja’s own project ‘Thavil Raja Band’ tours extensively to perform for traditional gatherings organized by reputed cultural organizations and music festivals. Thavil Raja’s independent solo work is starting to gain attention on his Youtube channel.
International Collaborations and Notable Performances…
- His latest collaboration with 3-time Grammy Award winning composer Micheal League (Founder: Snarky Puppy) is eagerly awaited by the world music community. Following Thavil Raja’s studio recordings for League’s upcoming album, the renowned American composer is even learning the Thavil under Raja’s tutelage.
- Most recently Thavil Raja performed at the world-famous Mysore Ganesh Utsav (2023), this was his 5th performance at the revered annual festival. Raja famously performed with Raghu Dixit in an electrifying show at the Ganesh Utsav 2019.
- In November 2022 Raja performed with the mercurial Ricky Kej, the three-time Grammy Award-winning Indian music composer at an event in Bengaluru.
- Thavil Raja contributed to the famed Playback Singer Vijay Prakash’s 2022 ‘Startup Song’ which is an ode to the startup culture of Bengaluru. Raja was directed by the revered Sri K.U. Jaychandra Rao, acknowledged as his second Guru..
- In 2021 Thavil Raja contributed to the short-film Mallari Directed by the celebrated Indian choreographer, Bharatanatyam dancer, and actress Rukmini Vijayakumar. The film was part of the I Believe Art Matters 2021, an initiative of Teamwork Arts, a Virtual Fundraiser By Artistes, For Artistes.
- Saagara’s meteoric rise since its inception in 2014 has seen them grace prestigious venues worldwide, from the prestigious Wroclaw Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw to the acclaimed Best of World Music Festival at Mumbai’s Tata Theatre, leaving audiences spellbound with their transcendent performances.
- With Saagara, Raja has performed at renowned world music festivals such as Jazztopad and Jazzbazz in Ukraine, and the Alchemia Music Festival in Krakow, earning rave reviews for his captivating performances. Notably, Saagara’s enthralling showcase on the global stage drew comparisons to the legendary world music ensemble ‘Shakti,’ cementing their status as torchbearers of musical innovation
Awards and Accolades
Thavil Raja has earned the prestigious title of ‘Asthana Vidwan’ (Master Scholar) from The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in 2013 and 2019. With each resounding beat of his instrument, Thavil Raja reaffirms his status as a visionary artist, bridging cultures and continents through the universal language of rhythm and melody.
In addition to his live performances, Raja’s artistry has been immortalized through recordings with esteemed Indian and international music channels, including DTS Studios, ZeeTV, and Colors Super, showcasing his versatility and virtuosity to a global audience.