The Dhol Foundation - Otago Festival of the Arts

The festival literally begins with a thunderous explosion when the mighty Dhol Foundation opens the floodgates on a torrent of intense, techno-fied percussive grooves. The ten musicians on stage are led by dhol master Johnny Kalsi - the charismatic drummer from the Afro Celt Sound System, Transglobal Underground and Fun-Da-Mental. Using the distinctive sounds of the dhol (double-sided barrel drum), The Dhol Foundation harnesses the infectious rhythms of the Punjab, unleashing a killer brand of electronic bhangra-infused funk. The extraordinary power and drive of a dhol troupe at full throttle has been said to raise the spirits of the Punjab.

Known for their energetic live performances on the Womad circuit throughout Europe and Australia, we are proud to bring them to Dunedin for their first ever New Zealand performance. The Dhol Foundation has become an influential world fusion ensemble, founded on a mission to take the dhol to the wider world.

This is world music at its very best – a fusion of Indian drumming, Celtic folk and afro-beats. Loud, furious, exhilarating! Whether or not you’ve seen them before, don’t miss your chance to be elevated by high-powered, live Punjabi beats and turn the Regent Theatre into one big dance party!

“Unique and outstanding” -BBC

“They are all phat!”

“Loud, furious, exhilarating....”