MALAYSIAN percussionist extraordinaire Lewis Pragasam died today at the age of 66.

It was reported that he died at 3am in Beacon Hospital in Petaling Jaya, surrounded by his family and friends, following a heart attack.

He was known for founding the Asiabeat project in 1979, which has since become an established the music world for its unique blend of percussions. 

Pragasam collaborated with world-famous artists such as Paul Jackson and Tony Levin, and played at major international festivals, including for the UK’s Prince Charles.

He toured with numerous jazz, pop, world music and ethnic artists and played at festivals in Singapore, USA, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Scotland, Australia. 

Pragasam received the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship from the American government in 1990 and was artist-in-residence at East Carolina University in North Carolina, US.  – December 18, 2023.