Dhol Academy

The Dhol Academy
Background information
Also known as	DA
Origin	London,
Genres	Bhangra, World Music
Instruments	Dhol
Notable instruments
Tumbi, Dholak, Tabla

A predominatly traditional Indian Punjabi Drum Group based and founded in London, currently holding classes and workshops whilst touring the United Kingdom with various shows and acts.

Overview

Dhol Academy started as place to get youth off the streets and involve them with a culture which allows them to showcase their talents. Some of the original players are now involved within the musical environment. Dhol Academy is a traditional Indian Dhol drumming group and has a strong involvement with charities and good causes. Dhol academy perform annually at the Rise Festival which has a strong multicultural antiracial message for London.

Major performances

• Notting Hill Carnival
• Glastonbury Festival
• Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom#Golden Jubilee
• London Mela [1]
• Rise Festival
• Paradise Gardens [2]
• Regent Street Festival[3]

In the DholDrums created by Ajay Chhabra (The biggest Dhol drum in the world)

Dhol Academy may be best known for its "in the Dhol Drums act" Which features the biggest Dhol in the world - this was created by Ajay Chhabra, who invited to the Dhol Academy to be part of his new show.

A processional music show, inspired by the north Indian dhol drum, created and directed by Ajay Chhabra with the Dhol Academy and Walk the Plank [4]. A giant, mobile dhol drum (3m x 5m) is processed through the street, flanked by drummers and 2 stilted characters that interact with the audience.

Collaborations

• Walk The Plank [5]
• Continental Drifts [6]
• Nutkhut [7]
• BBC Asian Network

See also

• Dhol
• Bhangra

External links

• Walk The Plank
• In The Dhol Drums
• BBC Catch up With the Dhol Academy
• Official Dhol Academy site