Music Legends Shakti Win Grammy for Best Global Album after 46 Years

The fusion band Shakti made history at the 66th Grammy Awards, winning the coveted Best Global Album for their latest studio release, “This Moment“, marking their return after a staggering 46 years. Comprising of music legends John McLaughlin, L Shankar, Zakir Hussain, and Vikku Vinayakram, Shakti mesmerized listeners with their unique fusion of jazz, Hindustani and Carnatic music.

Formed in 1973, Shakti created waves with their albums “A Handful of Beauty” and “Natural Elements” in the late 70s. Despite the initial success, the band took a long hiatus, reuniting for select performances as their line-up shifted over the years. It wasn’t until 2020 that they regrouped for their groundbreaking studio album “This Moment”.

The Grammy win for Best Global Album came amidst fierce competition from other acclaimed artists including Burna Boy, Davido, Bokante, and Susana Baca. The recognition highlights the significance of Shakti’s contribution to the global music scene, breaking barriers and taking Indian sounds to international audiences.

The band’s acceptance of the Grammy was filled with joy and gratitude. Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Selvaganesh Vinayakram received the award on behalf of Shakti, expressing their pride for India and dedicating the achievement to their loved ones. Mahadevan’s heartfelt speech included a special dedication to his wife, acknowledging her immense support.

The Indian music community and fans celebrated the win, recognizing the impact of Shakti’s achievement. Composer Ricky Kej took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his excitement, hailing it as India’s year at the Grammy Awards and applauding the six Indian winners.

As this legendary band enters a new chapter, their Grammy win serves as a testament to the timeless magic they create and the indelible mark they have left on the music industry.