R. N. Prakash

R.N. Prakash (also referred to as Prakash Ramachandra) is a highly respected South Indian percussionist, renowned for his virtuosic artistry on the ghatam, mridangam, and khanjira. Born and trained in South India, he moved to the UK in his thirties, where he has become a central figure in the London Carnatic music scene. He is a senior musician and educator at the London School of Carnatic Music, widely sought-after for his flawless accompaniment in performances across the UK and beyond.

Trained under the tutelage of Vidwan K.N. Krishnamurthy in Bangalore, R.N. Prakash earned early recognition as an ‘A‑grade artiste’ by All India Radio—a testament to his mastery and musical excellence. His versatility extends beyond the classical repertoire: he has been featured on platforms such as the BBC, Channel 4, and MTV, and has collaborated in a variety of world music and fusion contexts, notably with the group Massive Attack, bridging Carnatic percussion with contemporary sounds.

He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Jayanthi Kumaresh, Guiliano Modarelli, Pandit Debasis Chakroborty, Pandit Ajay Prasanna, Ustad Shahbaz Hussain, Neyveli Venkatesh, S. Varadharajan, Jyotsna Srikanth, and the violin duo Ganesh & Kumaresh. His rhythmic finesse and deep understanding of Carnatic music added a vibrant dimension to each performance, enriching the musical dialogue with his intricate and dynamic percussion artistry.