Johnny Kalsi who heads the Dhol Foundation co hosted the LIVE 8 Africa Calling concert with the legendary Peter Gabiriel at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. - Africa Calling - one of the most significant musical events ever to hit the UK ran for more then ten hours and featured over 200 African artists as part of the worldwide LIVE 8 celebrations.

Peter Gabiriel and Johnny Kalsi introduced an array of acts and celebrities including Dido and Angelina Jolie. The event featured superstars of the world music scene such as Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Mariza and Daara J, the event, along with the other LIVE 8 concerts, raised awareness of the issues surrounding the upcoming G8 summit while introducing some of the world’s most talented musicians to an audience at one of the world’s most spectacular venues.


For those of you who don't know who Johnny Kalsi is, here's a little about him. The founder of The Dhol Foundation (TDF) known for his intense mix of rhythm via the sounds of bhangra, dance, and electronica has recently released his new album titled “Drum-believable.”

The former member of the Asian Dub Foundation still plays an active part as member of the Afro Celt Sound System, playing to audiences across the cultural globe. Johnny is a renowned dhol player, described by James McNally "One of the most imaginative and inspirational percussionists I have ever had the joy of performing with." Completely self-taught, Johnny Kalsi has been playing the dhol for twenty-three years. His determination and persistence in learning to play came about when he could not find anyone who would give him any training. Johnny created the Dhol Foundation (TDF) - the largest dhol institute in Britain.

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Article provided by Jazz Singh