From basement beats to global stages: Nihal Singh redefines desi percussion

Powerhouse dhol, tabla and fusion - percussionist Nihal Singh, who has been lighting up stages across the world, tore through his India Tour this November and brought that irresistible energy to Mumbai on the November21. What began as New Jersey basement jam sessions has grown into international platforms like Coachella and Cannes, packed concert halls and viral videos. Nihal has developed a style entirely his own by fusing western beats, high-voltage EDM and desi percussion — all without any formal training. The result is music that moves faster, hits harder and transforms any space into a joyful, rhythmic wave. India felt that force instantly. The crowd moved, grooved and witnessed what happens when tradition meets global sound with pure, unfiltered energy. Excerpts...

For someone discovering you for the first time in India, how would you describe the essence of your sound in one line?
“It is pure fusion energy. I mix hip hop, house, EDM and Western beats with the pulse of dhol, tabla and classical Indian rhythms. It is basically East meeting West in the most high-energy way.”

As your popularity grows internationally, what do you want your India footprint and narrative to look like, starting with Mumbai on 21 November?
“I want people here to see that what I am doing is not background music or something you only hear at a baraat. It is a headlining act. These instruments deserve the spotlight. They deserve a crowd that comes only to watch them. Mumbai on November 21 is the first step in showing India that dhol and tabla can own a stage.”

What is the story behind your signature fusion of Desi percussion and EDM? Was there a turning point where you realised this could be your defining identity?
“It happened naturally. Coachella made me realise that people genuinely love this space. Cannes reinforced it. Then the videos went viral and international bookings started coming in. I never had a formal teacher. I grew up teaching myself in the basement after listening to musicians in the gurdwara. Because I was never tied to one style, blending Bollywood, Punjabi, hip hop, house and EDM felt like the most natural thing. Over time it became my signature.”

Your journey has gone from basement practice sessions to selling out venues. What moment along the way made you feel like your sound was truly connecting with people?
“There was never one single moment. It built up slowly. Every time I get off stage and people say they had one of the best nights of their lives, I feel that connection. Weddings also taught me a lot. Playing so many helped me understand what people really respond to. I bring all of that experience into my public shows now. The love on this India tour has been incredible. I wake up every day excited for the next city and that feeling tells me the sound is reaching people exactly the way I hoped.”

How was the experience playing at the White House?
“It was incredible. A huge honour. It was during Asian Heritage Month, and they were reviewing tons of acts. They picked me to perform for President Joe Biden’s entry. It was only a couple of minutes, but it meant a lot. It happened at the Ritz-Carlton right next to the White House with board members and guests. Representing our culture like that was a special moment for me.”



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