Samuel J. Dass

Samuel J. Dass is a pioneering Malaysian sitarist, composer and educator whose life’s work has helped shape the presence of Hindustani classical music in Malaysia.

His musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of his father and first guru, Jabamalai Dass, a sitarist associated with Radio Televisyen Malaysia. Following his father’s passing, Samuel continued his training with respected teachers including Maheswaran Orme, Giani Bachitar Singh, Raj Kumar Sharma and Professor Haridev.

In 2002, Samuel travelled to Pune, India, where he undertook advanced training with the internationally renowned sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. This deepened his command of the Hindustani classical tradition and strengthened the musical foundation from which his own artistic voice would emerge.

Over the course of more than four decades, Samuel has developed a body of work spanning classical performance, original composition, ensemble music, education and intercultural collaboration. While firmly rooted in raga and the discipline of the sitar tradition, he has also brought the instrument into dialogue with contemporary music and with instruments and musical traditions from across Malaysia and Asia.

Through performances in Malaysia and abroad, he has helped carry Malaysian Indian classical music to wider audiences. His work has demonstrated that the sitar is not only an instrument of inherited tradition, but also a living voice capable of speaking within Malaysia’s multicultural present.

Samuel is also the founder of SWARA Community Arts Centre, through which he has worked to nurture musicians, create opportunities for cultural exchange and pass the art to future generations.

His contribution has been recognised through major artistic and cultural honours, including seven Champion of the World titles at the 2006 World Championships of Performing Arts, the Cameronian Arts Awards, the Lifetime Arts Achievement Award, the Gandharya Samman, the Dr Ambedkar Award and the title “Sultan of Sitar.”