Rabab Singh brings rhythm to life at Tabla Laya 2.0

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Tabla Laya 2.0 brought together learning and performance at Kanagasabai Hall, The Temple of Fine Arts in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 2, with tabla and jori practitioner Rabab Singh leading participants through an afternoon centred on the rhythmic depth and expressive possibilities of the tabla.

The programme began with a two-hour workshop conducted by Rabab, where participants had the opportunity to explore different aspects of tabla playing through practical instruction and demonstration. The session focused on developing a stronger understanding of rhythm, technique and the approach required to build confidence and clarity on the instrument.

For those in attendance, the workshop provided more than just an introduction to individual compositions or playing methods. It offered an opportunity to engage directly with the discipline behind tabla performance, where clarity of sound, control of the hands and an understanding of rhythmic structure are closely connected.

The programme continued with a tabla solo recital by Rabab Singh, shifting the focus from learning to performance.

A solo tabla presentation offers a different perspective on the instrument. Beyond its familiar role as an accompaniment in Indian classical and devotional music, the tabla takes centre stage, allowing the performer to develop compositions, variations and improvisations within a rhythmic cycle.

Rabab’s recital gave participants the opportunity to observe how technical and rhythmic elements can come together in performance. Through the development of traditional compositions and rhythmic ideas, the presentation highlighted both the mathematical precision and creative freedom that define the art of tabla playing.

The combination of a workshop followed by a solo recital gave Tabla Laya 2.0 a distinctive format. Participants were first introduced to the practical side of the instrument before experiencing its possibilities in a live performance setting, providing a natural connection between what was discussed during the workshop and what unfolded on stage.

Held at Level 5 of Kanagasabai Hall, the event brought together tabla enthusiasts, learners and lovers of Indian classical music around a shared appreciation for rhythm and percussion.

By combining hands-on learning with a live solo presentation by Rabab Singh, Tabla Laya 2.0 offered participants a fuller experience of the instrument — not only as something to be studied, but as a rich musical tradition shaped by discipline, creativity and the endless possibilities of laya, or rhythm.

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