Movies

Zakir Hussain, Indian Tabla Maestro, Dies at 73

BBG News

As a lifelong admirer of Zakir Hussain, I feel deeply saddened by his passing. His music was not just a melody to my ears, but a rhythm that resonated within me, echoing the pulsating heartbeat of India’s rich cultural heritage.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, it has been announced that the esteemed Indian classical musician, Zakir Hussain, passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday. Known for transcending musical boundaries and popularizing the tabla on a global scale, his influence will be deeply felt.

In San Francisco, the renowned figure in Indian classical music passed away due to an unidentified lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is a persistent respiratory illness. According to a statement issued by his family, he spent his final moments at a hospital there.

Throughout his career as a teacher, guide, and educator, he significantly influenced numerous musicians. His aspiration was to motivate future generations to surpass him. He departs, having established an exceptional legacy as a cultural envoy and one of the most remarkable musicians ever.

As a passionate lover of cinema for the soul, I’d humbly assert that among all musicians, none have been more distinctively associated with the captivating rhythm of Indian classical music than Hussain – the virtuoso maestro of the enchanting tabla, a mesmerizing pair of hand drums.

Hussain, renowned as one of the most exceptional tabla players of his era, had a music career that lasted six decades. During this time, he worked with notable figures such as singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma on various collaborations.

Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain is the son of the renowned tabla artist Alla Rakha. At just seven years old, he began learning to play the instrument from his father. By age twelve, this talented youngster was already touring, and during his teenage years, he performed alongside some of India’s most celebrated classical music legends.

During a popularly circulated interview across Indian social media platforms, Hussain mentioned that his father communicated with him shortly after birth by playing tabla beats near his ears.

In an interview, Hussain shares that as a newborn, I was taken home by him and given to my father. Typically, it’s the father who whispers a prayer into the baby’s ear, but in this case, his father imparted something unique—the rhythmic patterns of the tabla. To illustrate this, Hussain mimics the rhythmic pattern of the instrument orally in the interview.

Both Alla Rakha and Hussain were given the honorific “Ustad,” an Urdu word that means master.

1973 saw the inception of the Indian jazz-fusion group “Shakti” by Hussain, alongside jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. This ensemble was renowned for its unique blend of acoustic fusion music, seamlessly merging Indian melodies with jazz elements. This innovative amalgamation offered a fresh sound to Western listeners.

In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year.

Hussain’s album titled “Shakti” was awarded the title of Best Global Music Album. Additionally, his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia received two awards: Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. It is worth mentioning that Hussain had already won a Grammy in 2009.

In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

As an ardent film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I consider Hussain to be a true maestro, a revolutionary figure in the realm of Indian classical music. His impact transcends borders, making him not just a prodigious artist but an embodiment of cultural harmony.

In a post on platform X, Modi stated that he additionally showcased the tabla on a global scale, enchanting millions with his unique and unmatched rhythm.

Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Read More

2024-12-16 12:06

Previous post Max George reveals doctors have finally discovered cause of his heart condition as he shares health update from hospital bed ahead of surgery
Next post ‘There are so many things that are painful and difficult to listen to’: Melanie Sykes speaks out after claiming MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace was the reason she quit TV