Jolly Kunjappu

Percussionist and composer, Jolly Kunjappu was born in Madras, India. He moved to Europe in the '70s. This gave him the chance to work with many artists, including major bands like the Rolling Stones.

In 1982, Kunjappu recorded a debut solo album, I Love Dancing. The next year he polished up his composer's hat and completed a ballet for the Bavarian National Opera called "Bound to the Rhythm." That same year, he also composed "Dance to the Drums," this time working for Stadttheater Essen. Year by year, Kunjappu's name gained more respect in the music world. For 1986, he gathered the help of artists Wolfgang Lackerschmid, Larry Coryell, and Rick Keller to put tracks like "Loving a Goddess," "Latin Wind," and "Searching for Shangrila" on a sophomore album titled Warm Embrace. It was followed three years later by It's Magic, and then by From Here Forever.

Kunjappu's next album, Power of Silence, was his first stride into the world music genre. He enlisted over two dozen musicians to back him on this album. After years of work, tunes such as "Drums of Death," "Welcome to the Universe," and "Secret Fragrance" were showcased in this offering of world music filled with rock, rhythm, reggae, and funk. Touching the Spirit was his next album and his first compilation. In between working on his recordings, Kunjappu tours country to country, he also practices two other arts: painting and acting.