Zakir Hussain Creates History at the Grammys with Three Wins

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain made history at the Grammy Awards on Monday, becoming the first Indian to win three of these trophies in a single night. The 72-year-old was among the winners in the Best Global Music Performance, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best Global Music Album categories.

Hussain now has five of these awards in all, equalling the tallies of the late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and the master conductor Zubin Mehta; they are all in top spot, incidentally, on the list of Indians with the most Grammy wins.

Zakir Hussain’s first Grammy win of the night came for his collaboration with American banjo player Béla Fleck, American bassist Edgar Meyer, and Indian flautist Rakesh Chaurasia on the song Pashto. The song pays tribute to the tradition of Indian classical musicians playing with British imperial bands in early-20th-century India. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his fellow musicians and acknowledged the importance of love, music, and harmony.

Hussain’s second Grammy win was for his album As We Speak, which he co-won with Fleck, Meyer, and Chaurasia. This album combines elements of classical and jazz music in a unique and eclectic manner.

The third Grammy win for Hussain and the band Shakti was for their album This Moment, marking the critically acclaimed comeback of the pioneering world-fusion band. Shakti, consisting of Hussain, John McLaughlin, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan, beat out stiff competition to claim the Best Global Music Album award.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hussain, Chaurasia, Mahadevan, Rajagopalan, and Selvaganesh on their exceptional success at the Grammy Awards. He praised their talent, dedication, and the inspiration they provide for aspiring musicians.

Indian artists and their achievements at prestigious international events like the Grammys continue to bring recognition and pride to the country. With Zakir Hussain’s historic wins and the success of Shakti, India once again shines in the global music scene.