nirankar

khalsa

Khalsa has performed

with such artists

as Horace Tapiscott,

Billy Higgins,

Alice Coltrane,

Pharoah Sanders,

Jeanne Lee

and Juno Lewis.

NIRANKAR KHALSA drummer, percussionist, singer - is a native of Chicago, Illinois - coming from a family of African American musicians (Jazz, Blues, Gospel etc.) which traces back generations before the "known" beginnings of Jazz. His first teacher and great inspiration is his father, William Henderson Jr., a professional drummer and percussionist (now retired). His family inspiration is shared by his brother William III (drummer, guitarist), Uncle Jake Johnson (Delta Blues man), Aunt Mary (Gospel pianist & singer), John McCorkle - formerly Johnson ( guitarist), and others.

With the desire to continue this family tradition and honor to cultural legacy, Nirankar percieves this "connection" with Gnawa tradition in rhythm with a natural progression, continuance and expression of common shared roots, and moreover a manifestation of world cultural sollidarity, now and beyond. It's also a "continuance"of other great collaborations, such as in the works of the great Randy Weston and many others.