Deepak Ram

Deepak Ram is of sub-continental Indian origin, was born and brought up in South Africa during the apartheid era and currently lives in London. Mixing his phenomenal flute playing, tabla, djembe and kora with modern basslines and beats, Deepak's sound is smooth enough to make you sit back and close your eyes, but rhythmically exciting enough to keep your brain whirring and your head gently nodding.

A master of bansuri, Deepak Ram weaves together traditional Indian sounds with contemporary Western influences. Born in South Africa in 1960, Deepak made his first journey to India aged 17.

Immersing himself in the rich cultural tapestry, he soon found himself the disciple of the great flautist Hariprasad Chavasi. He also met and trained there with another highly influential teacher in his life, the late Shri Surykant Limaye, who bequeathed Deepak his priceless flute collection when he died.

A musical scholar, Deepak has composed a suite of ragas for a Western flute and string trio and has arranged a traditional Hindu hymn for the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. Beginning his career with classical training and therefore being strongly roots oriented, Deepak has simultaneously maintained and explored his interest in non-Indian improvised music —specifically jazz. —Courtesy Calabash Music