Editor,
The passing away of 73 year old Ustad Zakir Hussain, the globally revered tabla virtuoso on December 16 at a hospital in San Francisco, is an irreparable loss to the field of world music. Known for his amazing finger-work and rhythmic brilliance, he brought the tabla to a global stage, collaborating with some of the world’s finest musicians. His gargantuan contribution to music was recognized with Padma Shri awards and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award.
On the global stage, he was a four-time Grammy award winner. His unparalleled skills earned him the reputation of a “fearsome technician” and a “whimsical inventor.” Beyond his musical prowess, his life was a testament to the power of dedication, passion and cultural exchange. His influence extended beyond the concert stage, as he mentored countless young musicians and left an indelible mark on the world of music education.
His collaborations spanned various genres, from traditional Indian classical music to jazz, rock and film scores, making him a true ambassador of global musical harmony. As fans, fellow musicians and admirers around the world mourn his loss, his legacy remains a lasting symbol of the power of music to transcend borders and unite people across cultures.
In his career spanning over six decades, he worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with the English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical with elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.
He started playing the tabla at the age of 3 and started touring at the age of 11. His mentor was his father tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha.
Jubel D’Cruz,
Mumbai