Shakti, a fusion music ensemble that includes tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and singer Shankar Mahadevan, has won the 2024 Grammy Award for best global music album for ‘This Moment’.
The CD includes founding members guitarist John McLaughlin, Hussain, Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and drummer Selvaganesh Vinayakram.
Shakti’s first studio album in over 45 years, ‘This Moment’, was released to tremendous acclaim in June 2023.
The Recording Academy, which organises the Grammy Awards, made the announcement on its X page.
“Congrats Best Global Music Album winner – ‘This Moment’ Shakti. #GRAMMYs,” the post read.
SHAKTI wins a #GRAMMYs #GRAMMYs2024 !!! Through this album 4 brilliant Indian musicians win Grammys!! Just amazing. India is shining in every direction. Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ustad Zakhir Hussain. Ustad Zakhir Hussain won a second Grammy… pic.twitter.com/dJDUT6vRso
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) February 4, 2024
Mahadevan, who performed alongside Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh, acknowledged McLaughlin and Hussain. While McLaughlin did not attend the ceremony, Hussain was backstage celebrating another Grammy win.
“We miss you, John Ji. Zakir Hussain just received another Grammy today. Thank you boys, God, family, friends, and India. We are proud of you, India,” Mahadevan added during his speech, dedicating the victory to his wife Sangeeta.
Rajagopalan praised the Recording Academy for their recognition.
Hussain received two more Grammys at the event: one for outstanding global music performance for ‘Pashto’ and the other for best modern instrumental album for ‘As We Speak’ with American banjo musician Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer, including Indian flute player Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of legendary flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Two-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej, who attended the awards ceremony, called 2024 the year of India at the Grammys.
According to the group’s official website, Shakti is an “unprecedented transcontinental collaboration” that brings together Eastern and Western musicians and creates the foundation for what is now known as global music.
