CAMPAL, GOA, INDIA, May 15, 2002: Percussionist Shivamani is recognized as “Shiva” in the world of South Indian percussion in the present day, for he becomes the epitome of Shakti on stage with his assortment of percussion instruments. Shivamani creates magic with just about anything from his conventional cymbals to the timbale to the batajon to the vastly unconventional shells and conches. His trademark is biryani kadai, meant for cooking but used by him for music. Exposure to the world of rhythm started at home for Shiva with his father, S.M. Anandan, who was much-sought-after drummer in the South Indian film industry. He had his first studio break playing for South Indian master creator K.V. Mahadevan. Shiva also played with Carnatic maestros like Kunnaikudi Vaidyanathan, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Thavil masters Vallayampatti Subramaniam and Pazhani Vel. Even south Indian geniuses like Ilayaraja and A.R. Rehman use Shiva’s rhythms extensively. Shiva has a longstanding relationship with Indian Jazz-fusion master Louis Banks, whom he regularly accompanies as part of the world music group.
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