Tabla Fusion

Recently, Grade 9 student MJ Rakhra has been wowing GNS audiences with his rhythmic skills on the tabla, and his covers of modern pop songs. The tabla is a traditional percussion instrument from India, and has been used frequently in traditional, classical, popular and folk music. MJ has been playing tabla for three years, but says he has been drawn to the instrument from a young age. “I always enjoyed the rhythmic sounds, even playing drums with my tiny hands at age of two,” says MJ. Several years ago, he saw a solo performance by tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain. “It mesmerized me and revived my interest in pursuing it.” Now MJ studies tabla with a Guru (teacher) who follows a tabla style known as Punjab Gharana. “I like the different sound, beats, and moments of fingers which creates slow to fast rhymes,” MJ says. “Whenever I play tabla, it soothes my mind and I feel totally refreshed.” As he gained more skills, he discovered a passion for adapting modern pop songs with the traditional instrument. “During my schooling in London in Grade 7, I was advised by my music teacher to try and merge the tabla with the school jazz band. I took up the challenge, and the music was very much appreciated by all the teachers, students and parents.” Since then, MJ has covered a variety of different songs by artists like Clean Bandit, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande.  MJ is currently working on a cover of the PUBG mobile theme song. “It’s a really fast tabla cover, which makes it more challenging,” MJ says. “I am working on it towards perfection.”This is only MJ’s first year at GNS, but he says he already feels welcome and accepted by the community. “I really love GNS and its community spirit. All my peers are very supportive and encouraging, and the teachers give lots of opportunities to explore new ideas. I really appreciated when Dr. Marvin rented a tabla and spent his weekend exploring in different music shops. I really feel that GNS is very diverse place that is a great fun-filled space for all students, including me.” MJ is passionate about sharing his love of the tabla with the community, and plans to continue to do so whenever he has the chance.