Lebanese Percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian Makes Electrifying India Debut In Mumbai

Mumbai came alive on September 28 as Rodolphe Manoukian, Lebanon’s foremost percussionist, made his highly anticipated India debut at Baglami Bombay. Globally celebrated for his virtuosity on the darbuka, Manoukian is renowned for his innovative ability to fuse traditional Middle Eastern rhythms with Afro, tribal, electronic, and even Bollywood-inspired sounds. The Mumbai concert offered a rare glimpse of a musician whose work transcends borders, cultures, and genres.

Presented by Empower Live, the Mumbai show was the first stop on Manoukian’s six-city Indian tour, which has been generating excitement among percussion enthusiasts and music lovers alike. From the opening beats, the audience was swept into a journey where each rhythm seemed alive with energy and emotion. Manoukian’s performance was as much a masterclass in technique as it was a celebration of rhythm, demonstrating his ability to command the stage while maintaining a deep connection with the crowd.

A highlight of the evening was his reinterpretation of iconic Bollywood tracks such as “Dum Maaro Dum” and “Pataka Guddi Ho”, which drew thunderous applause. These renditions underscored his unique approach: bridging the familiar with the novel, offering Indian audiences a fresh perspective on beloved songs through the lens of global percussion. Born in Beirut in 1994, Manoukian has spent his career exploring ways to integrate popular music forms with the rich traditions of Middle Eastern percussion,a journey that has earned him recognition on international stages.

The audience, numbering over 1,200 on Day 1 and more than 600 on Day 2, experienced not only a musical performance but a cultural dialogue. The concert’s venue, Baglami Bombay, with its artful interiors and intimate layout, enhanced the immersive experience, allowing every beat to resonate deeply. Attendees described the performance as a “mesmerizing dialogue of sound,” where tribal, electronic, and Bollywood elements converged seamlessly.

Manoukian’s India debut is significant not just as a concert but as a cultural exchange. By blending Middle Eastern percussion techniques with Indian musical sensibilities, he highlighted the universality of rhythm as a form of human expression. For students of music, fellow performers, and casual listeners alike, the night offered insight into how global influences can reshape and enrich local traditions without diluting their essence.

The Mumbai leg of the tour was more than a performance; it was an educational and artistic experience, showcasing how contemporary percussion can bridge worlds. As Manoukian’s sticks struck the darbuka, the audience witnessed a synthesis of tradition, innovation, and emotion,a rare alignment that few percussionists achieve. His India tour promises to further cement his reputation as a percussionist who not only performs but educates and inspires through his craft.

For many in attendance, witnessing Rodolphe Manoukian in action was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,a powerful reminder that music is a universal language, capable of uniting diverse cultures and generations under a single rhythm. With his India tour now underway, audiences across the country can look forward to more nights of electrifying beats, cultural dialogue, and percussion mastery.