Eman Hashimi – Catalyzing the Future of Central and South Asian Percussion
Eman Hashimi is an Afghan-American tabla virtuoso and percussionist, widely regarded as the future of Afghan tabla and one of the most sought-after young artists of his generation. Rooted in one of the most renowned musical families of Afghanistan, his artistry is both a continuation of a timeless legacy and a bold step toward the future of Afghan cultural expression.
Born into the rich traditions of Kharabat, Kabul’s historic music quarter, Eman is the son of the legendary Ustad Toryalai Hashimi, one of Central Asia’s foremost percussionists and a pioneer of Afghan tabla. Under his father’s guidance, Eman began formal training at the age of seven, immersing himself in Afghan classical and folk rhythms alongside the powerful Punjab Gharana style of tabla.
Eman was recognized early on as a child prodigy, giving his first concert alongside his father at just nine years old. In 2009, he deepened his mastery under the tutelage of the iconic Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, one of India’s greatest tabla maestros, becoming one of the youngest students ever to perform a tabla duet with his guru. He has also attended masterclasses led by Ustad Zakir Hussain & Pandit Yogesh Samsi and other master percussionists. This rare lineage bridging Afghan, Indian, and Central Asian traditions has shaped Eman into a uniquely versatile and dynamic artist.
With performances spanning the Kennedy Center, San Francisco World Music Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Tuti Gala, and Basant Bahar, Eman has captivated audiences across the globe. His collaborations extend far beyond borders, fusing Afghan music with North and South Indian classical traditions, jazz, folk, and world music, showcasing percussion as a universal language.
In addition to his concert career, Eman has served as an adjunct instructor at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), once based in Kabul and now relocated to Europe after the Taliban’s return to power. Since 2009, he has trained more than 150 students worldwide, nurturing the next generation of percussionists and cultural ambassadors.
Eman is also the founder and Director of Percussion at PACA (Preserving Afghan Cultural Arts), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, teaching, and promoting the musical heritage of Afghanistan - a heritage currently banned in its homeland. Through PACA, he has dedicated his life to research, education, and performance, ensuring that the rhythms of Afghanistan continue to resonate across borders and generations.
Eman Hashimi carries forward the legacy of his forefathers while forging a new path for Afghan music on the world stage. Both a guardian of tradition and a visionary innovator, he stands as a powerful voice for cultural resilience and artistic excellence.