Nagi (N. Nagarajan) – Redefining Rhythm over and over
Master Percussionist | Rhythm Programmer | Founder – Art of Drumming Institute
From the gentle heartbeat of the Mridangam to the pulse of electronic grooves, Nagi – fondly revered as one of South India’s leading percussionists and rhythm programmers – is a man who breathes rhythm. Born into a lineage steeped in musical tradition, Nagi carries the soul of ancient rhythms while dancing effortlessly with the demands of modern music. His versatility gives him the ability to encompass the realms of classical purity, contemporary fusion, film soundtracks, and electronic innovation with unparalleled flair. At home on stage or a recording studio, Nagi draws admiration from peers and fans.
Film music composers across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi vouch for his dependability and embellishing their works with the X-factor, they desire. Nagi remains the preferred rhythm programmer across languages with a long list of chart-toppers including Tamil toppers: Chandramukhi, Gilli, Mozhi, Run, Dhool, Majaa, Kuruvi, Telugu Hits: Mass, Varsham, Shankar Dada MBBS, Bangaaram, Daddy, Krishna and Hindi chartbusters: Duplicate, Judwaa, Judaai, Viraasat, Hulchul. Noted composers like Vidyasagar, G.V. Prakash, Devi Sri Prasad, Keeravani, Anu Malik and more have used his wizardry.
Carnatic classical sabhas, corporate concerts, or international fusion tours, Nagis pulsating rhythm reverberates across the globe soaked in his desi roots. Nagi has collaborated with the maestros of Indian classical and fusion music like Shri. Carnatic Violinist and vocalist Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman,Shri. Vikku Vinayakaram (Ghatam), Shri. Niladri Kumar (Sitar), and Shri. Selvaganesh (Kanjira)
To be the only Indian on the stage as a Tabla and Drum player with maestro Ilaiyaraaja, for his symphony Valiant featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra mirrors Nagi’s mastery over his craft…an honor well deserved.
Nagi holds the distinction of being Andhra Pradesh’s only exclusive drum instructor, founding the “Art of Drumming” Institute in Hyderabad — now a five-branch movement nurturing the next generation of rhythm wizards.
When rhythm becomes an emotion, when percussion turns poetic — that’s when you know you’ve heard Nagi.
Nagi’s Amazzingg Gearrr includes a spectrum of Indian, Asian, African and Western rhythm instruments ranging from big to small.
Orchestral and universal:
Concert bass 28”, 20” custom gong Bass drum,Low toms and drums, Concert toms, Roto toms
Chimes, Tambourine, Woodblock, Tuned pipes, Spiral trash crash
Indian:
Chanda, Edakai, Nagara, Duff 18” acrylic, Duff 18” wooden, Duff steel 18&20”, Singaley, Talking drums, Satti, Tri tom, Dhol, Tasha, Halgi, Parai, Tavil, Thapatai high and Mid
Indian hand instruments:
Udukai, Duggi, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridhangam, Damaru, Kanjeera , Jumki /Khamak
Triple Congo, Hand duff skin low, Duffli mid
Indian Highs
Ghungoroo, Chimta, Thaal, Brahma Thalam, Karthaal
Latin and Western:
Congo, Bongo (Latin and Indian), Timbale, Cajon all sizes, Cowbell, Woodblock Tamourine, Agogo bells, Tri bells, Leather guiro
African and Arabic:
Djembe, Darbouka all sizes, Dumbek, Udu, Riq, Daff, Ramam / Bandhir, African tumba set (deer skin), Deer skin single drum (Coller drum)
Asian: Taiko, Flower drum / temple drum, Asian toms, Shimedaiko (small taiko), Gong Cymbal
All the highs percussion of the respective native zones
Snare collection
Dw Collectirs 6.5×14, Ludwig Universal Model brass – 6.5×14
Tama imperial star 1980s steel – 6.5×14, Mapex tomahawk Snare – 5.5×14
Yamaha stage custom birch – 5×14, Gretch – 5×14, Mapex Picolo metal – 3.5×13”
Tama stage star – 5×13”, Sonor ascent 5×12”, Ludwig 5×12”, Wooden marching snare – 6.5 x10”
Gladnic metal snare – 5×10
Drumkits Mapex Armoury Drummit (9 pc double bass drum),
Mapex M birch oversized kit: 22 bass drum, 13” tom, 14 tom, 18 floor tom
Sonor Force 2000 drumkit : (Standard size drums ) 22” / 12&13 toms 16” floor
Pearl export: (Standard Size) 22”/ 12 &13” toms / 16” floor tom
Tama Stagestar : 18” bass drum, 10&12 toms, 14” floor tom
Yamaha stage custom drumkit : 22/ 10&12 toms 16 floor tom