Born and raised in South-East London, Ajit Gill developed a deep-rooted passion for music, especially the drums, from an early age. He began playing at just two years old, setting him on a path of dedication that has shaped his career as a drummer, producer, and educator in the music industry. By the age of nine, he had already played his first professional show and throughout his school years, Ajit continued to hone his craft, seizing opportunities to refine his skills, perform, and even gain valuable touring experience.

 

In 2019, Ajit completed his BMus degree in Music Performance (Drums), graduating with a First Class Hons degree from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, London. Since then, he has gone on to headline some of the UK's and Europe’s most renowned stages and festivals such as Glastonbury, Standon Calling, Secret Garden Party and Smukfest (Denmark) to name a few. He has also had the privilege of opening for legendary icons like Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Grace Jones, Sister Sledge, The Real Thing, Heatwave, Gabrielle and many others. 

​

Notably, Ajit's original Nu-Jazz project, Vertaal, has made waves in the UK Jazz scene, appearing at UK festivals and selling out multiple headline performances at prestigious London venues such as Ronnie Scott's and The Jazz Café. Their vinyl-exclusive album, 'Paradigm Shifting,' achieved instant success, selling out during pre-sale and prompting a repress. In 2021, they embarked on an extensive UK tour with Jazz Refreshed labelling them as 'ones to watch'. Their success was continued with a series of single releases followed by more tour dates, including European shows in Switzerland, 2024. Vertaal have shared the stage with luminaries like Mark Guilliana, Pete Ray Biggins, Reuben James, Iman Omari, and Richard Spaven. The duo are now working on a highly anticipated record, due for release in 2025.

​

Beyond his collaborations with accomplished artists and bands, live and in the studio, Ajit's original, solo and studio projects have all gained acclaim and support from radio stations worldwide. These include renown platforms such as BBC Radio, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM, Amazing Radio, and Soho Radio. His work and collaborations have been featured in diverse media, including a Channel 4 documentary and high-profile publications like Rolling Stone, JazzWise, Outlander, and Jazz in Europe Magazines.

 

As musical director in successful touring theatre shows, Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno and Decades of Dance, Ajit also specializes in arranging and programming live performances for touring bands, artists, and theatre productions. His roles involve collaborating closely with fellow musical directors, band leaders, and production teams to create click and backing tracks, program dynamic light shows, and design advanced touring IEM rigs—elevating live performances to a professional standard. 

 

Today, Ajit imparts his knowledge and expertise to over 50 students a week, working with individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with specialist needs and disabilities. His teaching methods, enriched by his own concepts and experiences, incorporate globally recognised graded syllabi such as Rockschool and Trinity College London with Ajit holding an impressive track record of student pass rates. He upholds an up-to-date DBS check and receives numerous testimonials from appreciative students and parents alike. Beyond his own musical journey, Ajit is committed to inspiring and shaping the next generation of musicians, passing on his knowledge and passion to others. His contributions, both on and off the stage, solidify his reputation as a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene.