Ustad Zakir Hussain: The Popular Tabla Maestro Passed Away

India’s most seasoned musician and legendary tabla player, Ustad Zakir Hussain, has passed away on Saturday, 15^th December, 2024, in San Francisco. This news sent a shock wave to all the classical music fans around the globe. He, a critically acclaimed artist, played a huge part in globalizing the Tabla through his mystically rhythmic performances and by collaborating with international stars. His mastery over the tabla’s many nuances—from delicate finger strokes to powerful beats—allows him to seamlessly blend into any musical setting, from traditional Indian classical performances to fusion and world music projects.

Monumental Accomplishments

Zakir Hussain has an endless number of achievements. A few of them are listed below, which make him a global star.

• The Grammys nominated Zakir Hussain for 7 awards, and he won 4 Grammy Awards.
• He was the recipient of countless other awards and titles.
• Zakir Hussain collaborated with several international artists to create worth mentioning fusions.
• He partnered with Mikey Hart of the Grateful Dead, the most iconic rock band. They curated two albums, “Planet Drum” and “Global Drum Project, both of which received Grammy Awards.
• President Obama invited Hussain, along with many other artists, to the International Jazz Day in 2016.

When it comes to music, Ustad Zakir Hussain was an institute in human form. He has left an undying legacy in the Indian music industry. The world will forever acknowledge his contribution to rhythms.