As Calcutta’s humid morning teased the city with a light drizzle and the smell of wet earth and old stone engulfed the metropolis, the 211-year-old Indian Museum, the Doric columned colonial edifice in the centuries-old enduring charming city primed itself for an unforgettable evening of masterful symphonies. The motionless expanse of the museum often associated with the artefacts and artistic creations was illuminated with the technicians tinkering here and there, making last moment adjustments, focused stage lights and the whispered conversation of the audience waiting eagerly to be a testimony of the cross-cultural melodious tapestry that fused continents. The city, at the beginning of July, swayed to the infectious Afro-Caribbean rhythms as French-Caribbean musician David Walters and two of India’s most acclaimed classical musicians — Abhisek Lahiri (sarod) and Subhadrakalyan (tabla) blended tropical soul with Indian classical traditions in a one-of-a-kind performance.
The harmonious trio transcended borders and spoke to the souls of those present to witness the confluence of the East and the West, where the two traditions breathe together. While the museum’s hall stood solemn as the symphony of sounds unfolded.
Presented by the French Institute in India and Alliance Française du Bengale, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Museum, this event was part of David Walters’ India tour. A man known for his genre-defying sonic palette and powerful stage presence, he has always brought a deep emotional resonance to his performances. His latest album, Soul Tropical, is both a personal homage to his Caribbean heritage and a universal ode to joy and resilience. It features acclaimed collaborations with artists like Mario Canonge, Ballaké Sissoko, Flavia Coelho, and Captain Planet, weaving together sounds from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Cuba, Brazil, and Africa- a testament to the universality of rhythm and melody.
As the city captured this rare confluence of melodies transcending the museum halls, The Statesman, got the opportunity to interview David Walters to understand his motivation behind blending his Afro-Caribbean rhythms with global influences.
Q.1 You started out as a DJ, the development as an artist and finding your own music identity — how did the transition work for you?
I started out as a DJ, then became a hip-hop beatmaker. Over time, I began learning percussion, singing, and eventually picked up the guitar because I lacked harmonic understanding.
My identity developed naturally as I immersed myself in different musical languages. Over the years, my influences—Afro-Caribbean, soul, funk, and hip-hop—merged with my personal experiences, shaping a sound that is honest and ever-evolving.
Q.2 How did your cultural heritage influence your work?
I am deeply rooted in the Afro-Caribbean tradition, which is a rich and powerful musical language in itself. My greatest inspirations come from the Caribbean and Africa—that’s where the source of my story lies. These roots are central to everything I create.
Even while collaborating with artists across continents, my cultural heritage grounds me and shapes how I engage with new musical vocabularies.
Q.3 What are the major themes when it comes to your compositions?
My themes often emerge from emotion—love, loss, rebirth, melancholy, joy, and sharing. I like to leave space for both silence and rhythm.
Much of my music is about dancing through grief, as I’ve said before. For example, at my mother’s funeral, we danced—it was a way to honour her and to release something. My work celebrates life, even when it’s holding pain.
Q.4 What is the inspiration behind your latest album, Soul Tropical? What was on your mind while composing it?
Soul Tropical carries a lot of emotion—love, disappointment, melancholy, rebirth, and the spirit of sharing. It’s vibrant and life-affirming.
The album is meant to heal and uplift. It’s about dancing through emotion and allowing joy and rhythm to be part of the healing process.
Q.5 Your work not only blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms but also combines them with global influences. What is central to the process of your composition?
It’s always about real human encounters. I’ve collaborated with artists like Seun Kuti, Flavia Coelho, Keziah Jones, and now Indian classical musicians.
What draws me to this kind of musical alchemy is that music has no borders—it’s a universal language. But it’s not about superficial fusion. For me, it’s about mutual respect and listening deeply to each other’s musical cultures.
Q.6 Your tour in India has garnered a massive response from audiences in the cities where you have played. Were you nervous about how well-received your music would be?
I was actually surprised by the warmth of the reception. Audiences of all ages—children, elders, entire families—have come to the shows, even though most didn’t know me before. It’s been extraordinary.
These have been real encounters, full of joy. I didn’t expect such openness and generosity, and I feel very grateful for it.
Q.7 Collaborating with Indian classical musicians, how has your experience been while engaging with the other creatives?
It’s been a very enriching experience. I’ve always had a deep respect for Indian classical music—for its meaning, depth, and discipline.
We’re reinterpreting my repertoire with these musicians, and it’s taking me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It’s a real learning process and a true collaboration, not just musically but spiritually as well.
Q.8 Is this your first time in Calcutta? Did you get a chance to explore the city?
Yes, this is my first time in Calcutta. I really wanted to explore the city—there’s so much history, culture, and energy here—but unfortunately, I didn’t get the time on this visit. I was either rehearsing or preparing for the show. But I’ve made a mental note: next time, I’ll definitely stay longer and explore properly.
Q.9 How about the cuisine?
The food was incredible—my taste buds were really, really happy! I remember enjoying everything I tried, but to be honest, I don’t even remember the names of all the dishes. There were so many flavours, so many spices—it was all delicious. I just know that I kept asking for more. I’d love to come back and do a proper food trail!