Vinod Navadhara

Vinod Navadhara (Vinodkumar Sukumaran) is a renowned percussionist from Kerala, known for his extensive expertise in a variety of percussion instruments. With over 35 years of experience, his deep knowledge and skill have shaped him into a respected musician. His remarkable career includes an impressive record of performing on more than 3,000 stages across India and Europe. In addition, Vinod is the founder of Navadhara School of Music in the UK.

Vinod’s musical journey began at the age of 9 when he started learning Tabla and Mridangam. His initial training in Tablawas under the guidance of Das for seven years. Later, he advanced his skills by studying with Mohan, a renowned teacher from Kalabhavan Cochin, for another four years.
He also dedicated eight years to learning Mridangam from the legendary Chinnakkuttan Master, known as ‘The King of Percussion’ and a prominent figure at All India Radio (A.I.R.). Vinod’s passion for percussion led him to explore the traditional Kerala instrument, Chenda, also referred to as ‘Asuravadhyam.’ He trained for eight years with two highly regarded Chenda masters: Alleppey Sasidharan Marar and Thrippoonithura Jagajith Marar.

After completing his studies, Vinod began his professional journey with the well-known Poonjar Navadhara music company in Kerala, South India, which is registered with the Kendra Sahitya Academy. During his 19 years with the company, he worked as both a Tabla and Mridangam artist and the company’s manager. Alongside this, he also taught music at the Navadhara School of Music, Sangeetha Mahal, and the Vrindavadya School of Music in Kerala for 13 years.

Throughout his career, Vinod has been a prominent Mridangam artist in over 250 Carnatic concerts, collaborating with esteemed vocalists like Nedumangad Sivanandan, Mannoor Rajakumaran Unni, and Pala Usha Kumari.

Currently, Vinod teaches Tabla, Mridangam, and Chenda at the London Academy of Dravidian Arts (L.A.D.A.), an initiative by M.A.U.K. aimed at promoting Dravidian Arts and Language in the UK. He also leads the renowned Chenda group and Ganamela troupe, ‘MAUK Nisari Orchestra.’