Rhythms from Chennai: A Parai Drumming Workshop with Aasan Manimaran

Celebrating Culture, Rhythm and Connection at Brixton Wings

At Brixton Wings, we’re always looking for ways to broaden the musical and cultural horizons of our young people. This week, our students had a truly unique experience as we welcomed Aasan Manimaran, a master Parai drummer and social justice activist from Chennai, India.

Representing Buddhar Kalai Kuzhu, a renowned arts and activist collective based in Tamil Nadu, Aasan Manimaran led a powerful, hands-on workshop introducing the ancient and dynamic art of Parai drumming one of the oldest percussion traditions in South Asia.

Over the course of the session, our students not only learned foundational Parai rhythms, but also explored the history and cultural roots of this drum, which has long been connected to both celebration and resistance in Tamil communities. Aasan shared how Parai is more than just a musical instrument it’s a tool of expression, empowerment, and identity.

Students were thrilled to get the chance to play a completely new instrument. With energy and excitement, they learned to beat complex rhythms and even how to move in rhythm as Parai drumming is traditionally accompanied by movement and storytelling gestures. For many of our young participants, it was their first encounter with South Indian musical forms, and they approached it with curiosity and enthusiasm.

“It was really different from anything I’ve played before, but it felt powerful,” said one student. “The way the rhythms connect to movement and meaning was amazing.”

The workshop is part of Brixton Wings’ ongoing mission to create inclusive, global music education that gives young people both creative skills and deeper cultural awareness. By learning from world-class artists like Aasan Manimaran, our students come to see music as a bridge connecting people, histories, and experiences from across the globe.

We’re deeply grateful to Aasan and Buddhar Kalai Kuzhu for sharing their time, talent, and message with our community. The energy of the drum is still ringing through our halls and in the hearts of the young people who took part.