Music loses its beat: India’s iconic tabla Ustad Zakir Hussain dies at 73
Zakir Hussain is one of the most celebrated Indian classical musicians, known for his mastery in tabla, a percussion instrument. His contribution to Indian music, as well as his collaborations with Western artists, has earned him international fame. Below is a detailed account of his life, from birth to the heights of his musical career.
Early Life and Birth
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, into a family with a rich musical heritage. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was one of the greatest tabla players of the 20th century. Raised in an environment steeped in Indian classical music, Zakir was introduced to music at a very young age. His early exposure to the tabla came naturally, as he was surrounded by legendary musicians and frequent performances in his home.
Zakir’s initial training began under the guidance of his father, who was a renowned tabla maestro, and from him, Zakir learned the nuances of rhythm and the intricacies of the tabla. His father, who was known for his precision and innovation in playing, also emphasized the importance of developing a deep connection with the instrument. Zakir, though young, showed exceptional aptitude and quickly became a child prodigy.
Training and Early Career
Zakir Hussain’s training was not confined to the traditional teachings of his father alone. He also learned from other maestros, including Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, who was instrumental in introducing him to the art of improvisation. His learning process was exhaustive, focusing not only on traditional tabla playing but also on understanding various ragas and taal (rhythmic cycles) in Indian classical music. Zakir was also exposed to Hindustani classical music, which played a pivotal role in shaping his musical style.
By the age of 12, Zakir Hussain had already started performing in concerts. His debut performance was in Mumbai, where he played with his father. His natural talent and the ease with which he adapted to complex rhythms quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star in the music world.
Zakir’s early career saw him playing with various established artists in the classical music world. His performances were marked by an extraordinary ability to improvise and maintain perfect synchronization with other musicians. Zakir’s tabla playing was distinct for its clarity, precision, and speed. His performances were often accompanied by dance forms, especially Kathak, a classical dance form that relies heavily on rhythm.
Rise to Prominence
In the late 1970s, Zakir Hussain’s name began to spread beyond India’s classical music scene. He started collaborating with many musicians across genres, notably in the fusion genre. One of his early and most significant collaborations was with the legendary sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. Zakir’s tabla playing was integral to the international success of Ravi Shankar’s concerts and recordings, which brought Indian classical music to a global audience.
Throughout the 1980s, Zakir’s talent was recognized internationally. He became a sought-after artist for concerts and collaborations, performing with not only Indian classical musicians but also Western musicians from diverse genres, including jazz, rock, and world music. His collaborations with musicians like George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Bela Fleck further cemented his status as a global music ambassador.
Fusion and Global Recognition
While Zakir Hussain was rooted in Indian classical music, his ability to blend various musical traditions made him a pioneer in the field of fusion music. His ability to play alongside jazz musicians was groundbreaking, and he became an integral part of the “world music” movement. One of the most notable fusion projects he was involved in was the formation of the group Shakti, which was a collaboration between Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin (guitar), L. Shankar (violin), and others. This innovative group blended Indian classical music with Western jazz, creating a unique sound that caught the attention of global audiences.
Zakir also collaborated with other international artists such as Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead) on the Planet Drum project, which won a Grammy Award in 1991. This project showcased Zakir’s ability to incorporate tabla rhythms into diverse musical styles, marking a milestone in his international career.
In addition to his solo performances and collaborations, Zakir Hussain has been a regular performer at major music festivals worldwide. His concerts, often marked by intricate rhythmic compositions, improvisations, and exceptional technical proficiency, have earned him numerous accolades and a massive following across the globe.
Teaching and Contributions to Indian Classical Music
In addition to his performance career, Zakir Hussain has been a committed educator, sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation of musicians. He has held several prestigious positions, including serving as the artistic director of the prestigious Saanjh festival in the United States. Zakir is also known for his contributions to the music community in India, where he has worked as a mentor to young tabla players.
Zakir Hussain’s influence goes beyond just his performance and teaching. He has also been instrumental in organizing music festivals and promoting Indian classical music globally. He founded the Rhythms of India initiative, which brought together leading classical musicians and tabla players from around the world. His efforts in building bridges between Indian classical music and the Western world have been a major part of his legacy.
Awards and Recognition
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 1988, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. This was followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002, which further acknowledged his influence in the field of music. He has also received several honorary doctorates, including one from the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Internationally, Zakir has been recognized with a Grammy Award, as well as several nominations. His work in the fusion genre has been recognized with several accolades, and his collaborations with international artists have led to him being regarded as one of the most important percussionists of his generation.
Personal Life
Zakir Hussain is married and has two daughters. Despite his international fame, he remains closely connected to his roots and the traditions of Indian classical music. His humility, dedication to his craft, and respect for his gurus have made him a respected figure in the music community. His personal philosophy is grounded in a deep commitment to learning and teaching, and he continues to inspire young musicians around the world.
Legacy and Impact
Zakir Hussain’s contribution to music is immeasurable. He has not only transformed the way the tabla is perceived worldwide but has also expanded the possibilities for the instrument by experimenting with different musical genres. His virtuosity and versatility have earned him a place among the greatest musicians of his time.
Through his collaborations with Western artists, Zakir Hussain played a crucial role in bridging cultural divides, introducing Indian classical music to audiences worldwide. His performances and recordings have inspired countless musicians and tabla players, and his dedication to preserving the essence of traditional Indian music while embracing innovation has set him apart as a global ambassador of Indian classical music.
Zakir Hussain continues to perform, teach, and inspire. His music remains a testament to the power of rhythm and the tabla, and his work is likely to influence generations to come.
Dies at 73, tributes pour in
Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an official statement from his family confirmed on Monday.The legendary Tabla virtuoso leaves behind a legacy that is cherished and respected by countless music lovers across the world, with an influence that will be reflect in generations to come. Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and her family, Isabella Qureshi and her family, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
Earlier on Sunday, Hussain’s friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia had said that the Tabla legend was admitted to the San Francisco hospital’s ICU with heart-related problems.However, early reports surfaced on Sunday saying that the 73-year-old musician had passed away. But these claims were dismissed by his publicist, who confirmed to PTI that he was being treated at the hospital and “has not passed”.In the official statement on Hussain’s passing on Monday, his family said, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.