Zakir Hussain wins 3 awards at 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

Congrats Best Global Music Album winner - 'This Moment' Shakti. #GRAMMYs 🎶  

WATCH NOW https://t.co/OuKk34kvdu pic.twitter.com/N7vXftfaDy

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 4, 2024

The award was for their latest album ‘This Moment’, released on June 30 last year, features eight songs created by John McLaughlin (guitar synth), Zakir Hussain (tabla), Shankar Mahadevan (vocalist), V Selvaganesh (percussionist), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (violinist). They were nominated for the Grammys with other artists like Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido. 

Ustad Zakir Hussain secured three accolades at the 66th Grammy. The esteemed tabla player and music composer received the prestigious award in the 'Best Global Music Performance' category for the composition 'Pashto.' During his acceptance speech, the 72-year-old percussionist, originally from Mumbai, expressed gratitude to the Academy and his fellow musicians – Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Rakesh Chaurasia also won his first two awards. Rakesh Chaurasia hails from a distinguished musical background. He is the nephew of the renowned flute maestro, legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Shankar Mahadevan, V. Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan all won their first award this year.

"Our families are here and without them, we are nothing. Without love, without music, without harmony, we are nothing.", said Ustad Zakir Hussain at the event.

Competing for the award were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who collaborated with Indian-American singers Falu and Gaurav Shah on a special song titled 'Abundance in Millets'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain and other musicians on winning three Grammy Awards, the most prestigious music awards across the world.

 Congratulations @ZakirHtabla, @Rakeshflute, @Shankar_Live, @kanjeeraselva, and @violinganesh on your phenomenal success at the #GRAMMYs! Your exceptional talent and dedication to music have won hearts worldwide. India is proud! These achievements are a testament to the hardwork…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 5, 2024

 The 66th Annual Grammy Awards honored the best recordings, compositions, and artists from October 1, 2022, to September 15, 2023, as chosen by the members of The Recording Academy, on February 4, 2024.

Shankar Mahadevan expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech, thanking his fellow musicians, expressing pride in India, and acknowledging the support of family and friends. He dedicated the award to his wife, emphasizing her constant support throughout his musical journey. Shankar Mahadevan expressed, "Thank you God, family, friends, and India. We are proud of you, India".

This Moment' marks Shakti's return after 45 years with their first album, released in June 2023. The band, originally formed in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, regrouped in the late '90s with Shankar Mahadevan on vocals and Selvaganesh Vinayakram replacing his father Vikku on percussion. The ensemble gained recognition in the emerging world music genre. Despite disbanding in 1978, Shakti has seen several reconstitutions over the years, each time adding a new creative dimension. 

Zakir Hussain was born March 9, 1951, in Mumbai (then Bombay), India. He is the son of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, a well-known Indian tabla player. He lives in the United States. Both Zakir Hussain and Shankar Mahadevan have made India and Indian Diaspora proud at this year’s Grammy awards.