Pandit Yogesh Samsi

Pandit Yogesh Samsi is one of India’s leading tabla soloists, pushing the instrument’s boundaries and furthering the work of his gurus. Son of esteemed singers Dinkar Kaikini and Shashikala Kaikini, he began playing at age six under Pandit Taranath Rao, a guru renowned for his knowledge of rare and ancient talas.

At age ten he commenced a 23-year discipleship under Ustad Alla Rakha, building a distinctive command of the Punjab gharana. He has accompanied a broad sweep of top Hindustani artists, as well as touring widely and visiting the UK each year to teach his own tabla curriculum.

Pandit Yogesh Samsi has been a regular and celebrated presence at the Darbar Festival since 2006. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous distinguished artists, bringing his impeccable rhythmic skills to the stage. His performances have included collaborations with maestros such as Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Kala Ramnath, Parveen Sultana, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Ustad Irshad Khan, and many more. His ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles and his deep understanding of the intricate nuances of tabla have made his performances at Darbar Festival a highlight for classical music lovers.

“Sadhana is…going inwards, getting a hold of your interior, the internal energy body…it requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice…it engulfs you.”

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