Neel Adhikari
Neel is a singer songwriter and a music director. His songs speak of little things, the struggles of life and making it work. Sometimes sarcastic, sometimes earnest, and often just funny, he’s a storyteller in song. His sound is electro acoustic.
Natasha Carroll
Natauku is an Indie, singer-songwriter and music producer from Bangalore, India.
Her songs are ukulele centric, with a focus on poetic lyrics about her perception of life, riddled with dark humour.
She is now working on several singles and an EP independently.
Vaisakh Somanath
Vaisakh is a singer/songwriter from Kerala whose songs largely revolve around social and ecological justice. He writes simple and thoughtful lyrics in Tamil and Malayalam with a soul/jazz/r&b approach in his melodies. His debut EP titled Thevai was about alternative lifestyle and was listed as one of the 10 Best Indian EPs of 2019 by Rolling Stone India.
Join Vaisakh's Songwriting for Ukulele workshop, which is open to all levels.
Christina Fernandes
Christina is one of the founders of the Mahalo Goa Ukulele Festival. She is a photojournalist by background but now works as Permaculture and Green Educator as well as Sustainability Trainer. She uses the ukulele in her nature education sessions, yoga classes and to support kids in a healing programme run by the Bring Hope Foundation in the refugee camps of northern Iraq.
Join Christina's Ukulele Song Circle on the Beach to start your day on the right note.
Anirban Halder
Anirban is a self taught musician from the City of Calcutta. He moved to Goa in 2010 and formed his band Electric Pulse which is now one of the prominent Classic Rock Acts in Goa. He is very prominent in the Goa music circuit and is always collaborating with different artists for shows in Goa and around the country. Anirban has a passion for all kinds of music and art. He loves to teach kids and has encouraged many young minds on the musical path. Anirban is one of the founders of the Mahalo Goa Ukulele Festival.
Rum n Colas
Rum n Colas have captured the hearts of Goans and tourists alike, with their unique blend of jazz, calypso and swing, and humorous stage performances. Formed in 2018, Rum n Colas have had many guest artists throughout the years and have played at IFFI, Serendipity and Lalaland. The main performers are; Sef Riley, ukulele/kazoo/vocals, Amanda Vaz, vocals/percussion/kazoo, and Jobin George, cajon/percussion. Genre: Vintage Jazz, Swing and Calypso from the 1920s-90s covering the likes of Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte, Cab Calloway, Simon and Garfunkel, the Specials, Nat King Cole and the like.
Luv Mahtani
Luv Mahtani, founder of Ukulele With Luv, is a passionate musician and educator who has been teaching the ukulele since 2018. A certified teacher through the James Hill Ukulele Initiative, Luv has guided students across world in both private and group settings, fostering a love for music and community. As the leader of the Strum Away Collective and the Pune Uke Club, he organizes engaging events, workshops, and jam sessions, bringing together ukulele players of all levels to learn, collaborate, and perform. His initiatives, both online and offline, are designed to build a vibrant musical community while helping individuals grow as confident and creative musicians. Known for his interactive teaching style and commitment to inclusivity, Luv continues to inspire countless learners to embark on their musical journey and discover the joy of playing the ukulele.
Join Luv's Chord Gym workshop, suitable for beginners.
Aditya Matkar
Meet Aditya Matkar, a Singer-Songwriter and Composer from Mumbai. Known for his happy travel songs and heartfelt tunes about life, Aditya blends poetic folk and country vibes with the vibrant sound of the Ukulele, Guitar, and Harmonica. He's been part of the independent music scene since 2015, and his original song Bachpan is available on all platforms.
From performing at festivals like MTV, Kala Ghoda, and Nomad Festival, to collaborating with Zostel India and Band Camp, Aditya's music has been part of many unforgettable experiences. Catch him at the Mahalo Ukulele Festival for some feel-good tunes and good vibes! And don't forget to check out his Ukulele Therapy workshop.
Akshay Chowdry
Akshay is a composer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Goa, India and is the great-grandson of renowned Indian classical Thumri artist Naina Devi. Upon graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2007, he was involved in the independent music scene as part of the band ‘Barefaced Liar’. Particularly fond of Rock/Blues and both Western and Indian Classical music; he is the founder of 'Three Kings Recording Studio' and is also actively involved in the creation of music for Advertising agencies/TV, Film,etc.
Here's a little bit more about Akshay:
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Recipient of national airplay on 94.3 Radio One & Hit 95 FM
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Currently endorsed by Orange Amplification and Rotosound Strings (UK)
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Music videos have been featured on Vh1, MTV Indies, etc.
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Featured Artist by Talenthouse USA
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Winner of OMEC Digital's contest, #TeleportYourTone 2020
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Finalist in the Rock and Singer/Songwriter categories in the UK songwriters contest 2016
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Previous performances include Kalaa Utsavam 2015 (Singapore) by Teamwork Arts, Harley Davidson Rock Riders, Blue Frog, Album launches at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru, etc​
Rayna
Rayna is a guitar and ukulele player, instructor, and performer, boasting 2-3 years of comprehensive experience in both school and private teaching. Her expertise lies in cultivating the musical interests of children across various age groups, specializing in pre-primary to primary music education and immersing them in the captivating universe of jingles and rhymes. A member of the Strum Away Collective, Rayna has showcased her musical talents through performances across Pune and Mumbai. She has also played festivals such as NH7 Weekender showcasing her skill and passion for the ukulele.
Kids 5+ are invited to join in her exciting Ukulele Adventures with Rayna workshop.
Big whiskers
Big Whiskers is a dynamic musical duo that brings an eclectic blend of Jazz, R&B, Pop, and Rock to stages across India. Formed in 2023, the band features Akash on piano, synthesizer, and vocal harmonies, and Babita on ukulele and lead vocals. Together, they craft immersive musical experiences that seamlessly bridge genres, captivating audiences with their soulful melodies and electrifying performances. Based in the picturesque state of Goa, Big Whiskers is more than just a band - it’s a movement.
Akash and Babita are the proud founders of Big Whiskers Studio, a thriving music studio and school where they nurture budding talent and produce original compositions. Their passion for music extends beyond performance, as they aim to inspire the next generation of artists through education and mentorship.
Pune Uke Club
Pune Uke Club is a vibrant community of ukulele enthusiasts led by Luv Mahtani (Ukulele With Luv, Strum Away Collective), a certified ukulele teacher and performer. Focused on building a supportive and creative space, the club gathers both online and offline to learn, jam, and celebrate the ukulele. With themed sessions, community jams, and quarterly performances, the club encourages musicians of all skill levels to grow and connect. Pune Uke Club is thrilled to represent Pune’s ukulele scene at the Mahalo Goa Ukulele Festival 2025, sharing its spirit of harmony and fun!