V. Selvaganesh

Biography:

V. Selvaganesh is undoubtedly a remarkable musician with a rich musical heritage. Here’s a summary of his life and achievements:V. Selvaganesh comes from a family of distinguished musicians, including his father, Vikku Vinayakram, a Grammy award winner and member of the original Shakti, and his grandfather, Sri. T.R. Harihara Sharma, founder of Sri Jaya Ganesh Tala Vadya Vidyalaya in Chennai.

Selvaganesh’s musical journey began under the guidance of his uncle, Subash Chandran, who introduced him to Carnatic rhythm. He received initial training at his grandfather’s music school and dedicatedly practiced for seven hours a day to perfect his rhythm skills. Selvaganesh chose the Kanjira as his instrument, a South Indian frame drum primarily used in Carnatic music.

He elevated the Kanjira’s status from being a supporting instrument for the Mridangam to a prominent instrument in various music genres and learning platforms. He gained recognition in the Carnatic music circle and collaborated with renowned Indian musicians such as M. Balamuralikrishna, M.S. Subbulakshmi, and Lalgudi Jayaraman.

In 1990, Selvaganesh had the opportunity to tour with Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. This experience broadened his musical horizons and exposed him to diverse music genres and applications. Selvaganesh diversified his Carnatic music knowledge by exploring other music forms, including Jazz, Blues, and Latin music.

He collaborated with guitar genius John McLaughlin in Remember Shakti, a successor to the original Shakti group. He also performed with Swedish bass artist Jonas Hellborg and the late American guitarist Shawn Lane, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Selvaganesh made a name for himself in the Indian and international film industry, composing and creating music for multiple soundtracks.

Notable projects include “Life of Pi,” “Kamasutra,” “Monsoon Wedding,” and “Vanity Fair”. Apart from his performances and compositions, Selvaganesh is passionate about making music accessible to people of all ages and cultures. He aims to establish the Vinayakram School of World Rhythm globally. V. Selvaganesh’s journey from a young Carnatic percussionist to a versatile musician with international acclaim showcases his dedication, passion, and commitment to the world of music, transcending boundaries and genres.