The legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73, leaves behind a legacy of unmatched excellence and international acclaim. In a historic year where he became the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night, Hussain’s contributions to music transcended borders, blending Indian classical rhythms with global genres.
Grammy Triumph
In 2024, Zakir Hussain created history at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, winning:
- Best Global Music Performance for “Pashto”
- Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
- Best Global Music Album
This monumental achievement made him the first Indian to win three Grammys in one night, further solidifying his global stature.
National Honors in India
Zakir Hussain received some of India’s highest civilian awards, celebrating his unparalleled contributions to music:
- Padma Shri (1988): Recognizing his early impact as a pioneering percussionist.
- Padma Bhushan (2002): For his continued excellence and promotion of Indian classical music worldwide.
- Padma Vibhushan (2023): India’s second-highest civilian honor, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the arts.
Other Prestigious Awards
Zakir Hussain’s artistry earned him several accolades across the world:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990): India’s premier award for performing arts.
- Kalidas Samman (2006): Presented by the Madhya Pradesh government for his exceptional contributions to music.
- National Heritage Fellowship (1999): The highest honor given to artists in the US by the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award (2023): Recognizing his global achievements and contributions to Indian music.
- Golden Globe Nomination (2003): For the music of “The Guru”.
- UNESCO Artist for Peace (2003): Honored for promoting cultural exchange through music.
- Bharatiya Jnanpith Special Award (2012): For his extraordinary contributions to music and culture.
Contributions to Fusion and Global Music
One of Zakir Hussain’s most celebrated achievements came in 1973, when he collaborated with:
- John McLaughlin (guitarist)
- L. Shankar (violinist)
- T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram (percussionist)
Together, they formed the band Shakti, which revolutionized music by blending Indian classical sounds with jazz. This project played a significant role in popularizing fusion music globally.
Legacy and Philosophy
Zakir Hussain’s perspective on his role as a tabla player reflected his humility and dedication to the art. In a 2018 interview, he emphasized:
“A tabla player must always be subordinate to the musician they accompany, helping them shine.”
His deep bond with the tabla was evident in his words:
“The tabla is not just an instrument; it is my mate, my brother, my friend, and my spirit.”
A Global Icon
Zakir Hussain brought the Indian tabla to the international stage through collaborations with artists like George Harrison, Van Morrison, and the group Earth, Wind & Fire. His influence helped bridge the gap between Indian classical music and the world, creating a new space for percussion in global music.
