Yogesh Samsi

Pandit Yogesh Samsi si one of India's foremosttabla soloists, known for advancing the instrument through his deep training and innovative artistry. Born to classical singers Dinkar and Shashikala Kaikini, he began learning tabla at six under Pandit Taranath Rao before undertaking a 23-year discipleship with Ustad Ala Rakha, mastering the Punjab gharana style. He has accompanied many of Hindustani music's leading vocalists and instrumentalists, tours internationally, and regularly teaches ni the UK. A celebrated regular at the Darbar Festival since 2006, Samsi has collaborated with renowned artists like Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Kala Ramnath, Parveen Sultana, and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, with his versatile, nuanced rhythm-making earning him a special place among classical music audiences.