Ash Roy and Ashvin pay special tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain at Kappa CULTR 2025 | WATCH
As the Kappa CULTR music festival came to an end, the audience was treated to a spectacular display of musical brilliance, highlighted by an emotional and powerful tribute to one of the greatest legends of Indian music, Ustad Zakir Hussain. Ash Roy, alongside his long-time collaborator Ashvin Mani aka Calm Chor, brought their unique blend of electronic music to life with a tribute that celebrated the artistry and virtuosity of the tabla maestro.
“I’ve been learning the tabla since I was a child, and Ustad Zakir Hussain has always been my idol,” Ash Roy shared, reflecting on the inspiration behind his tribute. “We (Ash Roy and Ashvin) wanted to start our performance with something special, a sample of Zakir Hussain talking about the essence of performance and the importance of creating a visual canvas through music.” This heartfelt tribute set the tone for their entire set, fusing the iconic tabla bowls of Zakir Hussain with the dynamic, vibrant sounds of modern electronic music.
Their performance at Kappa CULTR began with Zakir Hussain’s profound words. From there, Ash Roy and Ashvin took the audience on a musical journey, weaving classical influences with the energy of electronic beats. This powerful fusion resonated deeply with the crowd, offering an experience that was both emotionally moving and sonically amazing.
The tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain not only captured the attention of the audience, but also set the stage for what was one of the most memorable performances of the festival. The energy was electric as Ash Roy’s music filled the air, offering a moment of reflection and celebration.
Kappa CULTR, initiated by Mathrubhumi, began on January 10 at the heart of Kerala -- Kochi, at the iconic Bolgatty Palace. The festival, which has quickly become one of South India’s premier music events, brought together a stellar lineup of global and local artists. For Ash Roy, performing at this grand event was a chance to share his love for music while honouring the rich traditions that have shaped his career.