Ajit Kadkade

Ajit Kadkade (born 11 January 1951) is a devotional singer in Goa and Maharashtra, India. He learnt Hindustani classical music from the famous singer Jitendra Abhisheki. Kadkade specializes in singing Marathi devotional songs (bhajans), abhangs, Natya Sangeet and Hindustani classical music.

Early life Ajit Kadkade was born in Bicholim, Portuguese Goa on 11 January 1951 to Sadanand and Prema Kadkade. From a young age, Ajit showed a deep interest in singing and music. At the age of twelve, he began learning the harmonium under the guidance of the famous Goan musician, the late Sakharambapu Barve. Due to his natural talent for melody and rhythm (Sur-Taal), he started mastering the nuances of classical music through the harmonium. Later, he continued his vocal training under Shripadbua Madye in Bicholim.

Training The famous Goan singer and composer Jitendra Abhisheki recognized Kadkade's immense potential. One day, after Abhisheki performed in Bicholim, he agreed to teach Kadkade. Abhisheki invited Kadkade to Mumbai for advanced training. Under Abhisheki's rigorous tutelage, Kadkade learnt advanced musical education. After several years, Kadkade began performing solo vocal concerts. Later, he also received guidance from Govindprasad Jaipurwale on the recommendation of Abhisheki. His other famous abhang includes Nache Ganeshu which is one of his topmost selling Marathi bhajan album.