Fazal Qureshi

Fazal Qureshi’s artistry reflects both lineage and innovation. His formative years under Ustad Allah Rakha shaped a firm grasp of the Punjab gharana’s rhythm, architecture, intricate compositions, and improvisational dialogue. With this training, he has become a versatile tabla player who moves fluidly between the discipline of Hindustani classical music and the spontaneity of global fusion.

His long-standing association with the world music group Mynta marks a distinctive chapter in his career. Based in Sweden, the ensemble blends Indian rhythmic sensibilities with jazz, African grooves, and Scandinavian folk elements. Through numerous tours and six album releases, the group has introduced new audiences to the tabla’s expressive possibilities. Beyond Mynta, Fazal has collaborated with several jazz and Western classical musicians, reflecting his belief that rhythm can transcend cultural boundaries.

In India, he remains committed to the classical stage, performing at concerts and festivals that celebrate traditional Indian music. His work as an educator at the Ustad Alla Rakha Institute of Music near Shivaji Park maintains his family’s legacy of training young percussionists. As a musician rooted in heritage but open to contemporary influences, Fazal Qureshi contributes to expanding the role of Indian percussion in global performance spaces. His career continues to highlight the tabla as a versatile, evolving instrument with relevance across cultures.