Zakir Hussain: The Indian Tabla Maestro passes away in USA , Career HLs & video

 

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro and composer, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. Hussain had been admitted to the ICU of a hospital in San Francisco, United States, due to heart-related complications.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has confirmed his demise. 

Nirmala Bachani, Hussain's manager, informed the press, "He had been hospitalized in San Francisco for the past two weeks due to a heart-related condition." According to Bachani, the maestro had also been dealing with issues related to high blood pressure.

Zakir Hussain, a name synonymous with the rhythmic heartbeat of Indian classical music, is celebrated as one of the greatest tabla players the world has ever known. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, he was destined to become a legend in the world of percussion. Son of the illustrious tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain inherited a rich legacy and took it to unprecedented heights, blending tradition with innovation.

Early Years of Growth

From a young age, Zakir Hussain displayed prodigious talent. His training began under the strict and loving guidance of his father, who ensured he mastered the intricate techniques and nuances of tabla playing. Zakir's dedication and natural ability were evident, and by the time he was 12, he was already performing in concerts. His early years were a blend of rigorous practice and an insatiable curiosity for rhythm, laying the foundation for his future as a global ambassador of Indian music.

Career Achievements

Zakir Hussain's career is a testament to his unparalleled artistry and versatility. He has performed with the most distinguished classical musicians of India, such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and collaborated with global icons like George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Yo-Yo Ma.

In 1970, he co-founded the fusion band Shakti with John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz and creating a genre-defying sound that captivated audiences worldwide. He also formed Masters of Percussion, showcasing the depth of India’s rhythmic traditions.

Zakir Hussain has composed music for numerous films and ballets, including the Grammy-winning album Planet Drum with Mickey Hart. His creativity and virtuosity have not only elevated the tabla but also broadened its appeal to global audiences.

Awards and Recognition

Zakir Hussain's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He received the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, two of India’s highest civilian honors. In 1992, he won a Grammy Award for Planet Drum, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. Other accolades include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Kalidas Samman, and the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the United States.

Legacy

Zakir Hussain's legacy is not merely as a performer but as a cultural bridge-builder. He has introduced the tabla to global audiences, demonstrating its versatility and profound beauty. His tireless efforts to preserve and promote Indian classical music have inspired a new generation of musicians. A charismatic performer, a visionary collaborator, and a dedicated teacher, Zakir Hussain has ensured that the tabla is celebrated as both an instrument of tradition and a medium of innovation.

In Zakir Hussain, the world finds not just a musician but a rhythmic genius whose beats resonate across cultures, transcending the boundaries of music itself. His life and work continue to inspire, proving that music is indeed a universal language. In his demise an era has ended in Indian classical music . 

In the below video , watch Zakir Hussain displaying his mastery on the tabla