Bobby Singh

Bobby Singh is an internationally recognized tabla player and ARIA award-winning artist known for his work across Hindustani classical music and global fusion genres. Born in England and raised partly in Mumbai, he trained at Sangeet Mahabharati under the guidance of Pandit Nikhil Ghosh’s lineage, later becoming a disciple of Aneesh Pradhan. His early grounding in traditional tabla established a strong foundation that continues to inform both his classical and collaborative work.

After relocating to Australia in the late 1980s, Bobby Singh became an integral figure in the country’s emerging world music scene. Mentored by sarod player Ashok Roy, he developed a distinctive performance approach that bridges classical Indian rhythm with contemporary and cross-cultural forms. His collaborations span a wide range of artists, including Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Slava Grigoryan, John Butler, Billy Cobham, and Joseph Tawadros, reflecting his adaptability across musical contexts.

Alongside extensive live performances at major international festivals such as WOMADelaide, Sydney Festival, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Bobby Singh has been involved in numerous ensemble projects, including Circle of Rhythm and Khyal Trio. His debut album Sutradhaar, composed by Aneesh Pradhan and arranged with Sandy Evans, brings together a diverse group of musicians, highlighting his role as both a traditional performer and a contemporary collaborator in global music.