1 Taal Entertainment, formerly known as Boodoosingh Tassa NYC, is a premier musical ensemble rooted in the rich cultural heritage: Trinidad and Tobago.
Founded in 2007 by Ryan Ali and his wife, Amanda Ali, the group has captivated audiences worldwide with their dynamic performances and dedication to preserving tradition tassa drumming.
From an early age, Ryan Ali exhibited a profound passion for percussion, beginning his journey with the tassa drums at just four years old. His expertise expanded to instruments such as the tuppu drums, dholak, tabla, steel pan, and African drums.
At 15, while residing in the Cayman islands, Ryan began teaching tassa drumming to local children, fostering cultural exchange and preservation. This commitment to education led to the establishment of the 1 Taal Tassa Academy NYC, a hub for nurturing talent and spreading the rich traditions of tassa music.
1 Taal Entertainment's achievements are unparalled; they made history as the first tassa drummers to compete in the World Championships, earning eight gold medals and being crowned World Champion. Ryan's heritage traces back to influential figures of Boodosingh and Hydar Ali, underscoring Ryan's deeprooted heritage in music and culture.
1 Taal Entertainment is renowned for their versatility, performing at various events, including parties, street festivals, and specializing in all kinds of weddings. Their performances are a staple during holidays such as Diwali and Phagwah, bringing vibrant energy to each celebration. Their reputation for their traveling capabilities allow them to share the exhilarating experience of tassa music with audiences far and wide.
A significant highlight in their journey was performing along side soca superstar Machel Montano at the premiere of his film "Bazodee" in Times Square, NYC, in July 2016, this event showcased their talent on an international platform, further solidifying their status in the music industry.
Beyond performances, Ryan Ali and his daughter Suryia has conducted workshops at established schools worldwide, offering both in person and virtual lessons to budding percussionists. 1 Taal's influence spans continents, with performances and workshops in India, the Caribbean, England, and beyond. Dedicated to empowering youth, 1 Taal Entertainment believes in the transformative power of music to shape the future, encapsulated in their motto: "Making the world move, one taal at a time." Through music, education, and performance, they preserve and share the vibrant spirit of tassa, inspiring new generations and keeping the culture alive.