Zakir Hussain, a prominent figure in tabla music, a traditional Indian drumming style, has passed away.
Hussain, renowned for collaborations with artists like George Harrison and Van Morrison, succumbed to complications related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at a hospital in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family.
A statement from his family reads: “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has touched the hearts of countless music enthusiasts worldwide, with an influence that will endure for years to come. His extensive work as a teacher, mentor, and advocate has left a lasting impact on numerous musicians.
“He aspired to inspire the next generation to reach greater heights. His legacy as a cultural ambassador and a musical virtuoso will remain unmatched. The family requests privacy during this time.”
Zakir Hussain performing in New Delhi in 2009. File pic: AP
A recipient of four Grammy Awards, the most by an Indian musician, Hussain’s accolades include Best Global Music Album, Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at this year’s ceremony in February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a “legendary tabla maestro” and “true genius,” while cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar reminisced on witnessing Hussain’s magic and the everlasting impact it has left. Fellow cricketer Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to the “true maestro.”
Over his six-decade music career, Hussain collaborated with several esteemed international musicians.
In 1972, a meeting with British guitarist John McLaughlin led to the formation of the groundbreaking Shakti band in 1973.
In the 1990s, he explored Asian Underground music, blending Western and Asian elements while ensuring the tabla remained central.
His collaboration with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, double bassist Edgar Meyer, and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia earned them a Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for “As We Speak.” Their work on “Pashto” also secured the award for Best Global Music Performance. The group was scheduled to tour India in January.
Known for creating music for Bollywood and Hollywood films, Hussain’s recent contributions include the soundtrack for “Monkey Man” in 2024, starring Dev Patel. He also acted in the Merchant-Ivory production “Heat And Dust” in 1983, where he portrayed a character involved in a romance with Julie Christie.
A recipient of India’s prestigious Padma Vibhushan award for distinguished service, Hussain’s musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, Alla Rakha, another tabla maestro.
He often recounted learning tabla rhythms from his father’s initial words whispered to him at birth.
Having performed his first concert at age seven and embarked on tours by age twelve, Hussain furthered his music education in Mumbai before relocating to the United States in 1970. He began teaching at the University of Washington at 19 before joining Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s music college in San Francisco.
In 1994, he was voted “sexiest man” by readers of the Indian magazine Gentleman, triumphing over Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan.
The jugalbandi, a musical duet in Indian classical music, was a standout feature of his performances.
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Admirers of this style cherished the playful yet melodious banter between Hussain and legendary musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Sultan Khan, and other classical Indian artists.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.