V. Selvaganesh
V. Selvaganesh: Grammy-Winning Kanjira Virtuoso For Global-Class Live Event Experiences
A rhythm wizard. His percussion had everyone spellbound and asking for more
Rohan Mittal
Travel & Tourism CompanyWatch V. Selvaganesh Create Magic with Music
chennai
english, hindi
10+ years
About V. Selvaganesh
V. Selvaganesh is a celebrated Indian Carnatic percussionist and one of the leading kanjira virtuosos of his generation. Known as Chella S. Ganesh, he has developed an international reputation through rhythmically intricate performances, collaborations, and tours that connect South Indian classical percussion with global contemporary music. His association with Shakti and Remember Shakti, alongside work with musicians such as John McLaughlin, Jonas Hellborg, and Shawn Lane, reflects a career built on technical command and cross-cultural musical exchange. His rhythmic vocabulary makes the kanjira accessible, engaging, and memorable for audiences encountering Carnatic percussion in a live setting for the first time.
For event organisers, Selvaganesh offers a rare instrumental proposition: a master percussion performance that can work within Indian classical, fusion, cultural, educational, and premium arts programming. His kanjira technique creates a highly dynamic live experience, while his broader collaborative background allows organisers to consider formats that connect traditional rhythm with contemporary instrumentation. engage4more brings experience from 5000+ events covered, helping planners evaluate artist fit, programme positioning, technical requirements, stage flow, and booking coordination for distinguished live events. His rhythmic vocabulary makes the kanjira accessible, engaging, and memorable for audiences encountering Carnatic percussion in a live setting for the first time.
Selvaganesh's major recent milestone remains his Grammy-winning work with Shakti on This Moment, recognised at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. His continuing performance and teaching activity keeps the kanjira and Carnatic rhythmic tradition visible to new audiences. For 2026 programming, he remains especially valuable when organisers want cultural credibility, virtuoso musicianship, and a performance that feels both rooted and globally relevant. His repertoire and ensemble requirements can be discussed in advance to build a format appropriate for the event's artistic and production brief. Her repertoire can be discussed with organisers before the event to establish the desired musical direction.
V. Selvaganesh is a celebrated Indian Carnatic percussionist and one of the leading kanjira virtuosos of his generation. Known as Chella S. Ganesh, he has developed an international reputation through rhythmically intricate performances, collaborations, and tours that connect South Indian classical percussion with global contemporary music. His association with Shakti and Remember Shakti, alongside work with musicians such as John McLaughlin, Jonas Hellborg, and Shawn Lane, reflects a career built on technical command and cross-cultural musical exchange. His rhythmic vocabulary makes the kanjira accessible, engaging, and memorable for audiences encountering Carnatic percussion in a live setting for the first time.
For event organisers, Selvaganesh offers a rare instrumental proposition: a master percussion performance that can work within Indian classical, fusion, cultural, educational, and premium arts programming. His kanjira technique creates a highly dynamic live experience, while his broader collaborative background allows organisers to consider formats that connect traditional rhythm with contemporary instrumentation. engage4more brings experience from 5000+ events covered, helping planners evaluate artist fit, programme positioning, technical requirements, stage flow, and booking coordination for distinguished live events. His rhythmic vocabulary makes the kanjira accessible, engaging, and memorable for audiences encountering Carnatic percussion in a live setting for the first time.
Selvaganesh's major recent milestone remains his Grammy-winning work with Shakti on This Moment, recognised at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. His continuing performance and teaching activity keeps the kanjira and Carnatic rhythmic tradition visible to new audiences. For 2026 programming, he remains especially valuable when organisers want cultural credibility, virtuoso musicianship, and a performance that feels both rooted and globally relevant. His repertoire and ensemble requirements can be discussed in advance to build a format appropriate for the event's artistic and production brief. Her repertoire can be discussed with organisers before the event to establish the desired musical direction.
Achievements
Selvaganesh's achievements are as illustrious as his rhythms. He gained global recognition through his tours with John McLaughlin's iconic group, Remember Shakti, where his dynamic performances mesmerized audiences and earned critical acclaim. His remarkable talent was further honored with a Grammy win at the 66th Grammys, solidifying his status as a maestro in the world of percussion.
Selvaganesh showcased his versatility by making his debut as a film composer with the Tamil movie Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu in 2008, displaying his talent for blending traditional rhythms with contemporary melodies. In 2012, Selvaganesh ventured into film direction with Bodhai, a Tamil short film where he not only directed but also composed the four-track soundtrack, demonstrating his multifaceted creativity.
He plays a pivotal role in preserving and passing on the Carnatic percussion tradition by assisting his father, the Grammy-Nominated T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram, in running the Sri JGTV school. Through this, he contributes to training and nurturing a new generation of Carnatic percussionists.
Selvaganesh's musical prowess extends globally through collaborations with renowned artists. He has composed, produced albums, and performed alongside notable musicians like the Swedish bass player Jonas Hellborg and the American guitar virtuoso Shawn Lane, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical influences.
Selvaganesh's achievements are as illustrious as his rhythms. He gained global recognition through his tours with John McLaughlin's iconic group, Remember Shakti, where his dynamic performances mesmerized audiences and earned critical acclaim. His remarkable talent was further honored with a Grammy win at the 66th Grammys, solidifying his status as a maestro in the world of percussion.
Selvaganesh showcased his versatility by making his debut as a film composer with the Tamil movie Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu in 2008, displaying his talent for blending traditional rhythms with contemporary melodies. In 2012, Selvaganesh ventured into film direction with Bodhai, a Tamil short film where he not only directed but also composed the four-track soundtrack, demonstrating his multifaceted creativity.
He plays a pivotal role in preserving and passing on the Carnatic percussion tradition by assisting his father, the Grammy-Nominated T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram, in running the Sri JGTV school. Through this, he contributes to training and nurturing a new generation of Carnatic percussionists.
Selvaganesh's musical prowess extends globally through collaborations with renowned artists. He has composed, produced albums, and performed alongside notable musicians like the Swedish bass player Jonas Hellborg and the American guitar virtuoso Shawn Lane, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical influences.
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V. Selvaganesh
V. Selvaganesh: Grammy-Winning Kanjira Virtuoso For Global-Class Live Event Experiences
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