Lilavan Gangen

Drummer, Percussionist, Vocalist, Composer & Arranger

Lilavan Gangen is a multi-instrumentalist based in Cape Town (South Africa) specialising in drum set and percussion. He is a graduate of the South African College of Music (University of Cape Town) where he studied a BMus: Jazz Performance.

He has performed as a drummer with many jazz, pop and rock projects; while also working as a percussionist in orchestras, big bands and other contemporary ensembles. His percussive knowledge spans the worldly range from Latin America to the Indian Subcontinent, with an unmissable African heartbeat.

Having grown up in an Indian household, Gangen has a strong bond with a range of Indian music. He has been the resident harmonium player at the Siva Aalayam for many years; and in the summer of 2015 he traveled to India to study Mrdangam - a traditional South Indian double-sided drum.

Although he has made a name for himself as a percussionist, Gangen has an impressive history as a vocalist; having sung all over the world with the renowned Tygerberg Children's Choir and later the South African Youth Choir. Having spent time with vocal masters in India in 2015, Lilavan continues his passion for singing today, teaching Indian vocal music to children in the local community.

All of these eclectic elements come together to give Lilavan Gangen his signature sound on drum kit and his unique percussion set ups.

Some of his recent ensemble work includes performances with:
Nomadic Orchestra
The Unity Band
Oceanico
Sean Sanby Collective
Ergonomix Percussion Ensemble
Moonshine - Jazz With a Kick
Rondebosch OBU Big Band

(Updated August 2022)