Vazhapally R Krishnakumar

Vazhappally R. Krishnakumar, born on 5 August 1982, is a Carnatic percussionist known for his work on the Ghatam. He began his musical training on the Mridangam before shifting his focus to the ghatam. He received advanced training from V. Suresh in Chennai, where he developed refined finger techniques and rhythmic clarity specific to the instrument.

As a performing artist, he has accompanied several leading Carnatic musicians, including M. Balamuralikrishna, K. J. Yesudas, T. M. Krishna, and Abhishek Raghuram. His performance career includes concerts across India and international appearances.

In 2017, Krishnakumar initiated “Modam Mohanaghatanadam,” a group ghatam concert presented in Kerala, featuring seven ghatams tuned to different pitches. He also founded Layanubhava, a platform dedicated to exploring the ghatam’s rhythmic and tonal possibilities, including its use in ensemble formats, thematic works, national anthems, and film music contexts.

In recognition of his contribution to Carnatic percussion, he was conferred the title “Sangeetha Thilakam” by the Thiruvambadi Devaswam, Thrissur, in 2018. He continues to perform internationally and is scheduled to tour North America in 2026 as part of the centenary celebrations of flautist T. R. Mahalingam.