- Giovanni Hidalgo: A Cuban percussionist known for his virtuosic technique and mastery of various percussion instruments, including the congas, bongos, and timbales.
- Airto Moreira: A Brazilian percussionist who has been influential in the development of jazz, samba, and world music. He is known for his innovative and rhythmic playing.
- Zakir Hussain: An Indian tabla player who is considered to be one of the greatest tabla players in history. He is known for his intricate rhythmic patterns and his ability to create complex musical dialogues with other musicians.
- Trilok Gurtu: An Indian percussionist who fuses Indian classical music with Western jazz and rock. He is known for his unique and experimental approach to percussion.
- Sheila E.: An American percussionist, drummer, and singer known for her work in the music industry, particularly in the Latin music and jazz genres.
- Alex Acuña: A Peruvian percussionist who has played with a wide range of artists and is considered one of the most respected and versatile percussionists in the world.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other talented percussionists who deserve recognition for their contributions to music. Ultimately, the "best" percussionist is a matter of personal taste and preference.