London : From the humble beats of the parai drum to the crescendos of global orchestras, Magizhan Santhors has transformed traditional Tamil rhythm into a universal language of identity, resistance, and hope.
Born in Alaveddy, Jaffna, to Pulenthiran and Mangaiyatkarasi, Magizhan’s story mirrors that of the Tamil diaspora itself — marked by exile, resilience, and cultural rebirth. Fleeing Sri Lanka as a child refugee, he grew up in Denmark before settling in London, where he earned a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Yet his soul never drifted far from the drum that defined his heritage.
Reviving a Voice Once Silenced
For centuries, the parai drum carried both rhythm and stigma. It was an instrument of outcasts — until artists like Magizhan reclaimed it as a symbol of Tamil pride and defiance.
Through Parai Voice of Freedom, a movement he co-founded in 2012, Magizhan took the traditional drum from the margins to the mainstream, merging its ancestral cadence with hip-hop, Western classical, and contemporary protest music. His performances became rallies of sound — a heartbeat for the displaced, and an anthem for those who refuse to be forgotten.
“The parai isn’t just an instrument,” says Magizhan. “It’s the sound of our survival.”
The Journey of a Sonic Revolutionary
A self-taught musician, Magizhan’s inspirations span continents — from Tamil Singer Santhan and composer A.R. Rahman to Beethoven and Tupac Shakur. His debut release Only Memories Remain at 18 reflected on loss, homeland, and longing.
Over the next two decades, his artistry evolved into a fusion of cultural storytelling and global experimentation:
- 2003: Debuted with Single, among the earliest Tamil rap albums.
- 2006: Vaalvum Varum Saavum Varum established him in Tamil hip-hop.
- 2009: Anaiyaathu, a haunting response to the Mullivaikkal genocide.
- 2012: Co-founded Parai Voice of Freedom in London.
- 2017: Adda Da Parai — a collaboration with poet Kutti Revathi and Magizhini Manimaran, blending feminist verses with folk rhythms.
- 2018: Zha Maṇ, filmed in Jaffna, bringing the parai back to its homeland.
- 2020: Neelappirai, a compilation of Tamil love songs.
- 2022: Bollywood debut with Mystery of Tattoo.
- 2024: Global symphonic project Engal Thalaivan united artists across continents.
- 2025: Born in Eelam, a deeply personal refugee song reflecting identity, displacement, and the enduring connection to the lost homeland
Beyond Borders — The Engineer Who Orchestrates Identity
Balancing his career as an engineer and musician, Magizhan exemplifies how technology and tradition can co-create harmony. His compositions use intricate sound engineering to preserve ancient percussion while expanding its reach into cinematic and orchestral dimensions.
His journey — from refugee child to global cultural ambassador — embodies the triumph of creativity over circumstance. Every beat of his drum resonates with a message: that art can outlast exile and give voice to generations in search of belonging.
The Global Beat of Tamil Resistance
Today, Magizhan’s music pulses through concert halls, protests, and playlists worldwide. Each project pays homage to the endurance of Tamil identity while opening pathways for cross-cultural understanding.
His influence extends beyond performance — it’s a movement reminding the world that the parai is not just an ancient drum; it is the living heartbeat of Tamil resistance, now echoing across continents.
