Prakash Kandasamy

Prakash Kandasamy is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s foremost tabla artists, recognised for his exceptional artistry, rhythmic mastery and lifelong dedication to the preservation and advancement of Indian classical music.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has established himself as an accomplished performer, educator and collaborator, becoming a defining figure within Malaysia’s Indian classical music landscape.

His musical journey began at the age of sixteen, when he commenced his tabla training under Shri Suresh Ramachandra at the Temple of Fine Arts in Kuala Lumpur. He later continued his studies in Pune, India, under Ustad Mohammed Hanif Mirajkar, deepening his knowledge of the Hindustani tabla tradition and developing the technical and musical foundation that would shape his career.

Two guiding figures hold a special place in his journey: Swami Shantanand Saraswati, founder of the Temple of Fine Arts and his spiritual guru, who encouraged and spurred him on to pursue the tabla in India; and Ustad Usman Khan, who mentored him in the art of accompaniment and in sadhana, the discipline of dedicated practice, and took him on tour.

This rigorous training laid the foundation for a distinctive performance style that combines a profound respect for the Hindustani classical tradition with remarkable versatility across classical, contemporary and cross-cultural music.

Upon returning to Malaysia, Prakash quickly became one of the country’s most sought-after tabla accompanists and solo performers. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many of Malaysia’s leading classical musicians, including sitar virtuosos Samuel J. Dass and Kumar Karthigesu, while also performing alongside internationally renowned artists from India and beyond.

His collaborations span Indian classical, orchestral, contemporary and world music, including acclaimed ensembles and artistic projects such as Swarasia, Prana, AkashA and Inner Space Performing Arts. This broad body of work reflects a career grounded in tradition while remaining open to innovation, experimentation and meaningful cultural exchange.

Prakash has toured extensively throughout Asia and internationally, performing at major festivals, concerts and recording projects. He is also highly respected for his command of konnakol, the South Indian art of vocal percussion, as well as for his work in musical direction.

His performances are distinguished by their technical precision, sensitivity, musical intelligence and dynamic stage presence. Through his work, he has helped introduce Indian classical music to wider audiences while creating meaningful dialogue between diverse musical traditions.

Alongside his performing career, Prakash has made an enduring contribution to arts education in Malaysia. For more than twenty years, he taught tabla at the Temple of Fine Arts, nurturing generations of musicians and helping to preserve the rich traditions of Indian classical music.

He also served for more than a decade as a part-time lecturer at ASWARA, Malaysia’s National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage, where he contributed to the development of the country’s next generation of professional musicians and performers.

Today, Prakash Kandasamy continues to perform, teach and collaborate internationally while remaining one of Malaysia’s most respected ambassadors for Indian classical music. Through his artistry, mentorship and commitment to cultural excellence, he has played a significant role in elevating the profile of tabla and Indian classical performance across Malaysia and the wider region.