Born in Israel, Asaf started his professional career as a drummer in the late 80's and played with some of Israel's Jazz luminaries such at Harold Rubin and Alber Beger. A few years after the recording of his first solo album 'One Step Closer' Asaf relocated to the Netherlands, France and finally settled in London around 1999 where he soon became one of the most active Jazz drummers around. During that time Asaf became a founder member of Gilad Atzmon's ‘Orient House Ensemble’ and started his long-time collaborations with renowned saxophonist Tim Garland and pianist Gwilym Simcock.

Asaf has been leading his own bands and projects such as 'Asaf Sirkis & the Inner Noise' and since 2016, Asaf has been collaborating and performing with artists such as Makus Reuter, Gary Husband, Dave Holland, Jacob Collier, Tim Garland, Gwilym Simcock, Larry Coryell, Jeff Berlin, John Abercrombie, Bob Sheppard, Norman Watt-Roy (off the Blockheads), Wilco Johnson, Robert Wyatt, Natacha Atlas, Dave Liebman, David Binney, pianist John Taylor, Norma Winstone, Kenny Wheeler, Andy Sheppard and many more.

Asaf enjoys a variety of educational work; private lessons, lectures, workshops, seminars, and online teaching as well as being a principal lecturer at the Leeds College of Music and Trinity Laban College of Music (London). In the last decade, he has been studying the art of Konnakol - the South Indian Vocal percussion under master mridangamist Paramasamy Kirupakaran and various other teachers. Asaf has found an easy and clear, step-by-step method of teaching this complex art in a Western context helping many students and professionals overcome rhythmic challenges and develop a strong awareness for rhythm.

What is Konnakol?

Konnakol - the South Indian vocal-percussion system is a 5000-year-old rhythmic language. It is one of the most effective, direct, and quick ways to understand, internalize, and master rhythm. Konnakol opens a door to another dimension in rhythmic thinking. This amazing technique uses a natural and clear approach to the perception of subdivisions. It will greatly improve physical-mental focus and coordination for any instrumentalist or singer. The rhythmic concept of Konnakol exercises can be practiced anywhere and anytime with or without an instrument: whether you`re touring with your band, traveling by bus or train, or sitting on a bench in the park.

“Listening to Asaf at work, two things are immediately obvious: passion and commitment. Blessed with technical skills that are disarmingly under-played, his Middle-Eastern sensibility balances the potentially volcanic with the meditative and reflective. A master of creative surprise, it’s on the edge of your seat listening when Asaf’s in town.” Bill Bruford“

Asaf Sirkis endorses: Istanbul Agop cymbals / Vic Firth sticks / Remo drum heads / Protection Racket cases