ISLAMABAD: Tributes and condolences started pouring in on Monday for Indian Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences.
He breathed his last at the age of 73 in the US.
As soon as reports of his demise were confirmed by family sources, celebrities, politicians, and fans started offering their condolences, calling it a great loss to the world of music.
Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain as one of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. “Along with being the best himself, Zakir ji was known for… being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces [sic] to reckon with themselves.”
He said the late music legend was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions.
“His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon,” he added.
Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @ZakirHtabla. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature,… pic.twitter.com/FxDeScxrvt
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) December 16, 2024
Economic Times quoted filmmaker Hansal Mehta as crediting Hussain for bringing “an accompanying instrument to the forefront.”
“The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustad ji. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe.” filmmaker Hansal Mehta said.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all of the music you gave us”.
His death
According to AP, the Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco.
His family said in a statement, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”
Earlier, several Indian news outlets, including NDTV and Hindustan Times reported that the four-time Grammy winner had passed away due to heart ailments.
His manager Nirmala Bachani said the Grammy-winning musician had blood pressure issues.
Six decades of excellence
With an exceptional career spanning six decades, Husain collaborated with the likes of singer-songwriter George Harrison, drummer Mickey Hart, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Born to legendary tabla artist Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain was taught by his father at the age of 7. A child prodigy, he was touring by age 12 and performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens.
Both Alla Rakha and Hussain were given the honorific “Ustad,” an Urdu word that means master.
The music icon formed the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin in 1973. The band played acoustic fusion music that combined Indian music with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to Western audiences.
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Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year in 2024.
In 2023, he was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Hussain’s “Shakti” won Best Global Music Album, and his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. He had earlier won a Grammy in 2009.
