Prakash
Kandasamy

For more than three decades, Prakash Kandasamy has devoted his life to the tabla and to the advancement of Indian classical music in Malaysia.

A performer, educator, musical director and collaborator, his artistic journey began in dance before turning to the tabla — training under Shri Suresh Ramachandra at the Temple of Fine Arts in Kuala Lumpur, and later continuing his studies in Pune, India, under Ustad Mohammed Hanif Mirajkar, deepening his knowledge of the Hindustani tabla tradition.

He has collaborated with Malaysia’s leading classical musicians and ensembles, toured throughout Asia and internationally, and is equally respected for his command of konnakol, the South Indian art of vocal percussion. His contribution has been recognised through national and international honours, including Malaysia’s Anugerah Seni Negara.