Babak Maddah is a Dutch percussionist, educator, and composer with roots in Iran. His work is shaped by long-term study, mentorship, and deep engagement with diverse musical traditions, resulting in a personal language grounded in rhythm, listening, and exchange.
Extended periods of work and research in international music environments proved formative, offering immersion in diverse scenes where collaboration and lived experience became central to his artistic development. Encounters with musicians from varied cultural backgrounds continue to inform an approach driven by curiosity, respect, and dialogue.
His artistic practice has been supported by leading cultural institutions and developed in close connection with conservatoires and cultural organisations in the Netherlands and abroad. As a performer, he has appeared on prominent stages across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, collaborating with internationally recognised artists in jazz, world music, and contemporary forms. His work has also reached wider audiences through selected television and broadcast appearances.
His discography includes Payam (2008), Unity (2011), and Destiny (2021), available on major digital and streaming platforms worldwide.