The Dhol Foundation
The Dhol Foundation is a London-based group and dhol drum institute founded in 1989 by Johnny Kalsi, after several musicians asked him to teach them. It operates as both a musical project and a teaching organisation, and its work centres on bhangra music and the traditional dhol drum.
Style and background
The group develops bhangra using dance beats and electronic music alongside traditional forms. Kalsi, a former member of Alaap, originates from Punjab in northern India, the region associated with the dhol drum.
Recordings and collaborations
The first album appears in 2001, made by Kalsi and his students. The Dhol Foundation also works on film soundtracks and has music featured in films including Gangs of New York and The Incredible Hulk. It also works with Peter Gabriel on soundtrack projects for Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Last Temptation of Christ.
Live appearances and projects
The group opens the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 and performs at WOMAD on multiple occasions. It also has a connection to WOMAD through copyright ownership of its songs. One album, Drum-Believable, is associated with a festival edition release that appears before its wider release.
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