The Dhol Foundation

The Dhol Foundation

The Dhol Foundation is a London-based group and dhol drum institute founded in 1989 by Johnny Kalsi, formerly of Alaap. Kalsi starts the project after several musicians ask him to teach them, and the group continues with him as the central member. It works both as a school for dhol drumming and as a musical act playing bhangra.

Style and musical approach

The group plays bhangra music rooted in the traditional dhol percussion of Punjab in northern India, Kalsi’s region of origin. In London, the music incorporates dance beats and electronic elements, which are blended with the traditional bhangra style across the group’s albums. The act is also identified with desi and world fusion sounds.

Recordings and releases

The Dhol Foundation’s first album appears in 2001 and is made by Kalsi with his students. Another album, Drum-Believable, is officially released in 2005, although festival edition copies circulate earlier at Womad Reading in 2004.

Film and live work

The group’s music appears in Hollywood films including Gangs of New York and The Incredible Hulk. It also works on soundtracks with Peter Gabriel for films such as Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Last Temptation of Christ. In 2006, the group opens the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Festival association

The Dhol Foundation has a long connection with Womad and performs there many times over several years. It owns the copyright to all of its songs, and it also appears at Womad Reading on two occasions without being scheduled.