A study of change
TALAYAN
Rhythm as a universal language.
A living collaboration between drum kit and tabla — where the pulse of Africa, jazz and the West, and Indian classical meet, transform, and become something new.
The Idea
Talayan is a study of change.
Talayan explores change from an artistic viewpoint — tracing the stages of transformation an artist passes through while absorbing new ideas, cultures and ways of creating.
Each piece marks a different phase in that journey toward something new. Rhythm is the common thread: a universal language that carries influences across borders and lets three great traditions speak to one another.
Jazz & Beyond
The drum kit, improvisation and the freedom of jazz — conversation, risk, and swing.
The Deep Pulse
Polyrhythm and groove — the ancestral heartbeat that binds it all together.
Classical Roots
The tabla and the cyclical grammar of tala — centuries of rhythmic craft as the anchoring voice.
The Masterclass
Rhythm, without borders.
Built on the collaboration between drummer Siemy Di and tabla player Manmohan Dogra, the Talayan masterclass explores rhythm as a universal language — weaving together influences from Africa, jazz and Western music, and Indian classical traditions.
Who it's for
- Musicians of all levels — and all instruments, not only percussionists.
- Anyone drawn to rhythm, creativity and cross-cultural discovery.
- Players curious how different musical cultures connect, complement and inspire one another.
An interactive demonstration of musical ideas — not a lecture.
What you'll gain
- Fine-tune your rhythmic language and vocabulary.
- Sharpen your rhythmic precision and inner timing.
- Develop deeper cultural awareness across traditions.
- Practical tools you can take straight back to your own playing.
What We Do
One project, many stages.
Learn
Interactive sessions on rhythm and cross-cultural playing for every instrument and level.
Concerts
Performances tracing the stages of transformation — drums, tabla and guests on stage.
Recording
Recording sessions that capture the collaboration and push it into new material.
Workshops & Touring
Workshops and performances taken to stages and communities around the world.
The Artists
Two rhythms, one conversation.
Drums · Jazz · Cross-cultural
Siemy Di
Drummer moving fluently between jazz, Western and African rhythmic worlds — and the driving vision behind Talayan. Siemy's kit is the open, improvising voice of the project: the pulse that invites new players in and keeps the conversation evolving.
Tabla · Vocals · India
Manmohan Dogra
Tabla player and torch-bearer of the Indian classical rhythmic tradition. Manmohan answers Siemy's call with the cyclical language of tala and the melodic voice of the tabla, grounding the Talayan collaboration in centuries of craft.
Featured & Guest Artists
The circle grows.
Talayan opens its stage to guest artists who join the conversation and bring new voices into the rhythm. Featured guests will be announced here.
Sitar
Etienne Bartholomew
The melodic voice that bridges the percussive worlds of tabla and jazz drums — sitar lines that carry both raga's gravity and improvisation's freedom.
Guitar · Composer
Varun Guru
Composer and guitarist rooted in the Carnatic tradition — he carries South Indian melody onto the electric guitar, threading raga-shaped lines through Talayan's cross-cultural sound.
To be announced
Guest Artist
A space reserved for a featured guest joining Talayan.
Gallery
The rhythm, in motion.
Moments from the stage — arranged like a waveform, because that's how it feels.
Live footage coming soon.
Booking
Book an artist.
Invite Talayan to your venue, festival, studio or classroom — for a concert, a recording session, a workshop, or the full masterclass. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll be in touch.