Lewis Pragasam: The Legendary Percussionist Who Transformed Jazz

Lewis Pragasam: The Asiabeat Founder Who Redefined World Music

Few musicians have the power to break barriers and redefine entire genres. Lewis Pragasam was one such revolutionary artist. A self-taught drummer with an unparalleled passion for rhythm, Pragasam not only shaped Malaysian jazz fusion but also propelled it onto the global stage.

As the founder of Asiabeat, he seamlessly blended Asian ethnic rhythms with Western jazz, creating an electrifying new sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. His life was a testament to the unifying power of music, inspiring generations of musicians and percussionists to explore uncharted creative territories.

Early Life of Lewis Pragasam: The Birth of a Musical Prodigy

Born on August 10, 1957, in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Lewis Pragasam was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures. His father, of Indian descent, and his mother, originally from Rangoon, Burma, instilled in him an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. Without formal training, Pragasam found his rhythm through observation and intuition, absorbing the beats of Indian Hindu temple drummers, the hypnotic sounds of Chinese dragon dance drummers, and the meditative chants of Buddhist monks.

Though Lewis Pragasam later studied under the renowned Indian mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani, his early exposure to various drumming styles laid the foundation for his future musical experiments. This eclectic upbringing gave birth to an artist whose beats transcended boundaries, echoing the rich cultural diversity of Malaysia.

Breaking Grounds: The Revolvers and the Birth of Jazz Fusion

In 1976, Lewis Pragasam joined the Kuala Lumpur-based band, The Revolvers, marking his first step into the professional music scene. However, it was jazz fusion that truly captured his imagination. Influenced by the pioneering work of American jazz percussionist Billy Cobham, Pragasam began exploring the limitless possibilities of blending traditional Asian rhythms with modern jazz structures.

A defining moment came in 1977 when he played a key role in organizing Malaysia’s first jazz-rock concert at the University of Malaya. This milestone event laid the groundwork for a movement that would soon revolutionize the Malaysian jazz landscape.

Asiabeat: A Global Phenomenon

In 1979, Pragasam founded Asiabeat, a progressive jazz fusion ensemble that would become his lifelong passion. The band’s approach was groundbreaking—combining indigenous Asian rhythms with Western jazz and rock elements, creating a unique and hypnotic soundscape. Their debut album, Asiabeat Project (1983), was a revelation, followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums such as Dare to Dream (1984), Drumusique (1993), Monsoon (1994), and Akar (2021).

Asiabeat’s music transcended borders, earning international recognition and drawing admiration from audiences worldwide. Pragasam’s revolutionary vision proved that music could be a bridge between cultures, seamlessly merging diverse traditions into a harmonious symphony.

A Global Ambassador of Rhythm

Beyond his work with Asiabeat, Lewis Pragasam collaborated with musical giants such as Bob James, Nathan East, and John Kaizan Neptune. His performances at international jazz festivals and prestigious events—including a royal command performance for Prince Charles in Edinburgh in 1995—cemented his status as a global ambassador of rhythm.

In the early 1990s, he traveled to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship, studying Southeast Asian and World music. During this time, he served as the artist-in-residence at East Carolina University in North Carolina, sharing his expertise and introducing students to the world of percussion.

A Legacy Beyond Music: Education and Advertising

Pragasam’s contributions extended beyond performance. Recognizing the need to cultivate an appreciation for percussion in Malaysia, he established the Groove School in the mid-1990s, nurturing aspiring musicians and fostering a deeper understanding of rhythm. He also served as the music director at Malaysia’s Centre of Performing Arts at HELP Institute and conducted the influential lecture series, Drum Talk.

His genius extended into advertising as well. His work on Petronas’ Deepavali commercial series, Duelling Massuers (1996-1999), won awards, including recognition at the Asian Advertising Awards. These jingles showcased his ability to infuse commercial compositions with cultural authenticity and rhythmic brilliance.

The Final Performance: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Lewis Pragasam’s life was dedicated to music until his final moments. On December 18, 2023, he passed away at 66 while performing Joy to the World at a Christmas concert. His sudden departure was a poignant reminder of his unwavering dedication to his craft—an artist whose heartbeat was in perfect sync with the rhythm of life.

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