Introducing...
TAKADIMI
"We are not just a band, we are the echo of many cultures, resonating in a single shared rhythm'
Where timeless traditions meet bold innovation.
Takadimi is a dynamic fusion ensemble led by master tabla player Manjit Singh, blending the rich traditions of Indian classical music with contemporary jazz, world music, and spontaneous improvisation.
With innovative rhythms, soulful melodies, and cross-cultural collaboration, Takadimi creates a captivating soundscape that transcends musical and cultural boundaries.
From classical Indian ragas to jazz improvisation and global folk traditions, Takadimi presents a unique musical journey that bridges the ancient and the modern.
Perfect for audiences seeking a fresh and exciting musical experience, Takadimi celebrates the power of cultural fusion and musical innovation.
Our Sound
Takadimi explores the meeting point of musical traditions from around the world.
Audiences can experience:
- Indian classical ragas and rhythms
- Algerian and global folk traditions
- Jazz improvisation
- Original compositions
- Cross-cultural collaborations
- Innovative genre-defying arrangements
From the soulful ghazals of Punjab to the hypnotic rhythms of the Algerian Sahara and the smoky cadence of a New York jazz club, Takadimi creates a musical journey where every boundary becomes a bridge.
Our repertoire includes original works alongside inventive reinterpretations of traditional and contemporary music from multiple cultures.
Artists from New Zealand, India, Algeria, Germany, and the United Kingdom collaborate to create a true cross-continental musical dialogue.
“A master of complex rhythmic structures. This is a fusion band in the very best sense of the word.”
— Jazz Local
Founder & Bandleader
Manjit Singh - Tabla & Multi-Percussion | Composer | Educator
Takadimi is the brainchild of visionary musician and educator Manjit Singh, whose goal is to blend the best musical traditions from around the world. Manjit is a master tabla player trained in the Punjab Gharana under Ustad Fazal Qureshi and serves as a leading ambassador for Indian music in New Zealand.
- He has taught thousands of students and has lectured at the University of Auckland.
- His collaborations include internationally renowned artists such as:
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Purbayan Chatterjee
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Taufiq Qureshi
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Nathan Haines
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Tom Scott
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Claire Cowan
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Jonathan Crayford
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Avantdale Bowling Club
Manjit has contributed to multiple award-winning recordings and has performed extensively across New Zealand and internationally.
Current Ensamble:
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Swap Gomez
Drummer
Auckland-based drummer known for his dynamic and innovative playing style
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Drummer for electronic hip-hop collective Yoko-Zuna
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Recognised for his unique integration of acoustic drums and electronic percussion (SPD-SX)
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Active contributor to the NZ music scene, including organising Drummer’s Day Out
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Developed a distinctive sound influenced by progressive and contemporary styles
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Highly regarded for his technical skill and creative approach to rhythm
Allan Brown
Pianist & Hammond organist
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Leading New Zealand jazz pianist and Hammond organist with decades of experience
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Collaborated with prominent NZ jazz artists including Caitlin Smith and Nathan Haines
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Composer and recording artist exploring jazz, ambient, and electronic music
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Experienced music educator — taught at MAINZ, Massey University, and Auckland University
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Specialist in vintage keyboard and synthesizer restoration
Nigel Gavin
Guitarist
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Founder of Gitbox Rebellion, New Zealand’s guitar orchestra
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Accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator with over three decades of experience
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Regular performer with the Nairobi Trio and The Jews Brothers
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Critically acclaimed solo artist known for exceptional virtuosity
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Renowned for innovative fingerstyle technique and musical creativity
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Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading guitarists
Manjit Singh
Band leader, Tabla player & composer
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Trained under Ustad Fazal Qureshi
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Taught thousands of students and lectures at the University of Auckland. His collaborations:
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Purbayan Chatterjee
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Taufiq Qureshi
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Nathan Haines
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Tom Scott
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Claire Cowan
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Jonathan Crayford
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Avantdale Bowling Club
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Contributed to multiple award-winning recordings
Dr Olivier Holand
Electric and upright bassist
Olivier Holland is a leading jazz educator and performer.
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Doctorate in Bass Performance
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Professor of Jazz Studies, University of Auckland
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Collaborations with Joscho Stephan, Nathan Haines, and Caitlin Smith
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Author of an upcoming double bass teaching method
Guest Artists:
Djamel Laroussi – Guitar & Vocals
One of Algeria’s most celebrated musicians, Djamel Laroussi brings powerful guitar work and soulful vocals to Takadimi’s Indo-Algerian fusion project.
Highlights include:
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Algerian cultural ambassador and UNICEF representative (2009)
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Advisor to Algeria’s Ministry of Culture
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Performed with Stevie Wonder’s band on their European tour
Dilshad Khan – Sarangi maestro
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10th-generation sarangi master from the Sikar Gharana of Rajasthan
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Trained by Ustad Gulab Khan, Ustad Nasir Khan, and the legendary Sultan Khan
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Continues the lineage that helped elevate the sarangi to a leading solo instrument in Hindustani classical music
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Performs internationally within the Hindustani tradition and beyond
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Frequent collaborator with tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain
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Expands the expressive language of the sarangi through film music and cross-cultural projects
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Purbayan Chatarjee
Sitar maestro
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Internationally acclaimed sitar maestro of the Senia Maihar Gharana (founded by Allauddin Khan)
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Recipient of prestigious honours including the President of India Award and Aditya Vikram Birla Award
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Best-selling album Lehar (Times Music) and internationally charting releases including Stringstruck
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Collaborated with global icons including Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Béla Fleck, and Antonio Sánchez
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International ambassador for Indian classical music, bridging Hindustani tradition with global genres
Aakash Binu
Singer & Guitarist
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Founder of Advaitha Events, London-based multicultural arts
organization. -
Trained in both Carnatic (Under Vidwan S Shankar & Alleppy
Sreekumar) and Hindustani systems of vocal music (under Pt. Ramesh Narayanan & Ustad Gulam Niyaz Khan of Rampur Gharana) -
Diploma in western Music from BIMM London
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Featured on Indian TV on multiple music shows
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Toured and performed with Indian top pop artists like Shwetha Mohan, Afsal and his Jazz band in the UK
Nathan Haines
Saxaphonist
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Acclaimed saxophonist, producer, and composer blending jazz and dance music for over 30 years
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Released 11th studio album Notes (2024) on Loop Recordings Aotearoa
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Collaborated with global artists including Damon Albarn, Marlena Shaw, Billy Cobham, and Jamiroquai
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Headline performer at iconic venues including Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and The Jazz Cafe
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Three-time winner of New Zealand’s Tui Jazz Album of the Year
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Co-founder of drum & bass crossover project Sci-Clone
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International festival artist and respected DJ
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One of Aotearoa’s most influential contemporary jazz voices
Christopher Mcgregor (Teja) - Rubab player
Christopher Mcgregor has explored western pop music in the past however, after coverting to Sikhism he developed curiosity and fascination for Indian classical music and then began learning the Rubb (ancient indian string instrument) from Manjit Singh at Rhythm School of Indian music. Since then, he has gained years of experience in Indian classical music and has performed in many concerts and festivals includng Nelson arts festical, Auckland diwali festival and also joined Takadimi's India tour in 2026.
Winter rain - by Takadimi
90 Miles - by Takadimi
Contact us
Manjit Singh (band leader)
021595941
manjit82@live.com
