Indian music legend, Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Zakir Hussain, the world-renowned tabla virtuoso has passed away.

The legendary musician, known for his “dancing fingers,” died on Sunday from complications related to a chronic lung condition at a hospital in San Francisco, according to a statement from his family.

Born in Mumbai, the 73-year-old Hussain was widely regarded as the most famous exponent of the tabla, the key percussion instrument in Indian classical music.

His family expressed in a statement, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians,” noting his ambition to inspire future generations of tabla players.

Hussain’s journey with the instrument began at the age of 12, under the tutelage of his father, the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha.

Reflecting on his early years, Hussain once shared in an interview, widely circulated on social media, that his father introduced him to the rhythms of the tabla even before he was born. “The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby’s ear… So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears,” Hussain recalled.

A child prodigy, Hussain was already touring by age 12, performing alongside India’s top classical musicians as a teenager. By 18, his remarkable solo performances earned him international recognition. He later collaborated with musical luminaries such as former Beatle George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, blending Indian music with jazz to create an innovative acoustic fusion sound that captivated Western audiences.

In 2024, Hussain made history by becoming the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in a single year, following his previous Grammy win in 2009. That same year, he was also honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.

(ALJAZEERA)

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