Founded in East London in 1994, Dhol Academy is a collective dedicated to preserving, teaching and pushing forward the musical traditions of the Punjabi Dhol. 

Rooted in the folk traditions of Panjab while drawing on the rhythmic language and musical mathematics of South Asian classical music, the Academy brings the Dhol into contemporary spaces through education, collaboration and live performance. From community workshops to festival stages, Dhol Academy combines powerful live drumming with an emphasis on rhythm, musicianship and cultural heritage, introducing new audiences to both the tradition and creative possibilities of the instrument.

There will be two workshops, welcome to all levels who want to learn to play the Dhol, followed by a short performance (timings TBC).

This event is part of EFG London Jazz Festival’s programme in Barking Riverside, celebrating the music and culture of South Asia and how it intersects with jazz. Barking Riverside is one of Europe’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, providing East London with thousands of new homes.