Zakir Hussain the greatest tabla player, music composer and producer passed away on 16th December 2024. He left behind the legacy of tabla that will continue to influence the future generations. He is also known by the title name tabla maestro and ustad Zakir Hussain. He is well known for his exceptional speed, creativity, and skill. He has contributed a lot towards both Indian classical and music world. He was the son of legendary tabla , maestro ustad Allah Rakha who played a significant role in popularizing tabla worldwide.
Early life of Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a family deeply rooted in Indian classical music. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was a legendary tabla maestro of the Punjab Gharana, who played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian percussion globally. This rich musical heritage profoundly influenced Zakir from an early age. Zakir showed exceptional musical talent as a child, starting tabla lessons under the strict guidance of his father at the age of 3. By the age of 7, Zakir began performing on stage, impressing audiences with his remarkable skill and understanding of rhythm.
His father was not only his teacher but also a disciplinarian, ensuring that Zakir mastered both the technical and emotional aspects of tabla playing. Zakir attended St. Michael’s High School in Mumbai and later pursued higher education at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Despite a demanding music schedule, Zakir excelled academically, reflecting his disciplined upbringing. At the age of 12, Zakir embarked on his first international tour, accompanying his father on tabla performances abroad. This marked the beginning of his journey as a global ambassador for Indian classical music.
Growing up in a household filled with the sound of tabla and Indian ragas, Zakir was exposed to the finest musicians of his time, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, who frequently collaborated with his father. This environment nurtured his creativity and laid the foundation for his innovative approach to tabla playing. Zakir’s early life was characterized by rigorous training, a deep connection to Indian classical music, and the influence of global musical trends, which would later shape his illustrious career.
Musical career of Zakir Hussain
- Zakir Hussain has mastered the tabla in Hindustani classical music and expanded its boundaries by collaborating with musicians from diverse genres, such as jazz, fusion, and Western classical music.
- He has worked with many legendary artists, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, John McLaughlin, George Harrison, and Mickey Hart.
- Shakti: He co-founded the fusion group Shakti with John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz influences.
- Planet Drum: Zakir collaborated with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead for this project, which won the first-ever Grammy for Best World Music Album in 1992.
Awards and Achievements of Zakir Hussain
Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002): India’s prestigious civilian awards.
National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship: The highest U.S. honor for a traditional artist.
Grammy Awards: For his contributions to world music.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: For his excellence in classical music.
Honored with countless awards for his contribution to Indian and world music.
Ustad Allah Rakha (1919–2000)
He was a legendary Indian tabla maestro, widely regarded as one of the greatest percussionists in Indian classical music. Born as Alla Rakha Qureshi in Jammu, he trained in the Punjab Gharana of tabla playing. Allah Rakha is best known for his collaborations with Pandit Ravi Shankar, introducing Indian classical music to global audiences through iconic performances, including at Woodstock (1969) and major concert halls worldwide.
He elevated the tabla from a mere accompanying instrument to a solo art form, inspiring generations of musicians. His lightning-fast fingerwork, intricate rhythms, and deep understanding of ragas set a benchmark in tabla playing. Allah Rakha was also the father and guru of tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, continuing his musical legacy. For his contributions, he received several honors, including the Padma Shri (1977). He is remembered as a cultural icon who brought Indian percussion to the world stage.
