Malaysia's legendary drummer Lewis Pragasam dies at 66

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's legendary drummer and Asia’s percussionist extraordinaire Lewis Pragasam died of a heart attack at 3am today.

According to his official Facebook fan page, Pragasam, 66, drew his last breath at Beacon Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

"Rest In Peace. Lewis Pragasam passed away at 3 am. Due to a heart attack,” said the post.

Last night, Lewis performed in the "Music of Christmas” concert at the Good Shepherd Assembly of God Church in Petaling Jaya, along with other jazz musicians including Willie Rebanno and David Yee.

On Saturday (Dec 16), there were videos of Pragasam interacting with fans at the Eco Drum Jam at Plaza Shah Alam on his official Facebook fan page as well.

Lewis is one of the most highly-regarded musicians to emerge in Asia garnering international critical acclaim as one of the region's leading percussionists and innovators of new trends in world music.

The founder of the historic Asiabeat Project in 1979, which comprised an ensemble of over 60 musicians, also performed with many internationally renowned artists such as Tony Levin, Billy Cobham, and Guru Karakkudi R. Mani.

He was also honoured with an invitation to perform in the Royal Command Performance for The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles (Prince Trust Concert) in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1995. - BERNAMA