A Farewell to Tabla Virtuoso Zakir Hussain
The world of music has lost one of its greatest icons. Indian tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at a hospital in San Francisco, confirmed by his family. He was 73 years old.
Hussain had been hospitalized for two weeks, battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating lung disease. His health had deteriorated, leading to his transfer to intensive care before his untimely passing.
A Musical Journey Across Boundaries
Zakir Hussain was more than just a tabla maestro. His fingers flew, fluttered, and floated in quicksilver changes of raga and rhythm, creating music and magic that transcended boundaries. A percussionist, composer, and even an actor, Hussain was a living legend—India’s own, yet a global citizen.
Born into a family of musicians, Hussain’s talent was cultivated under the tutelage of his father, the renowned tabla player Alla Rakha. A child prodigy, he performed his first concert at just seven years old, and by 12, he was already touring. His deep musical education, along with his natural gift, paved the way for a lifetime of groundbreaking performances.
As a musician, Hussain was a global ambassador for Indian classical music, fusing it with various genres to create new, innovative sounds. He was known for his collaborations with musicians from around the world, such as John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Mickey Hart, and Charles Lloyd. His artistry created a whole new identity for the tabla, making it a symbol of fusion and versatility in global music circles.
Breaking New Grounds in Global Music
In February 2024, Hussain became the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, taking home honors for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Earlier in his career, Hussain had achieved another milestone as part of the fusion group Shakti, which won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album for This Moment. In the same year, he earned two other Grammy awards for his contributions to performances like Pashto and As We Speak, collaborating with artists like flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and American musicians Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer.
Hussain's career spanned over six decades and included a wide range of collaborations, from Masters of Percussion and Planet Drum to Tabla Beat Science and Global Drum Project. His global presence was not just in performance, but also through his work composing concertos for the tabla. His third concerto, the first-ever tabla concerto for orchestra, premiered in 2015 and was performed across the world, showcasing his ability to blend Indian classical traditions with Western orchestral music.
A Voice for Purity and Authenticity
Despite his vast success, Hussain remained deeply committed to the purity of music. In a conversation with author Nasreen Munni Kabir, he expressed his strong views about where music should be heard. He was vocal about performing only in concert halls or theatres, where the audience was there for the music, not just for socializing or casual enjoyment.
Hussain's passion for his art form extended beyond the stage. He strongly believed that music should be heard in settings that gave it the respect it deserved, and he often asked organizers to close the doors once a performance began to avoid disturbances from latecomers.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Aside from his musical achievements, Zakir Hussain's charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a household name. His boyish charm and broad smile made him a star not just in the world of music, but also in pop culture. In 1994, he was voted "the sexiest man" by readers of Gentleman magazine, beating out even Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan.
Hussain’s fame was not confined to music. In 1988, he became the face of Taj Mahal Tea, starring in a memorable TV commercial where his tabla performance was paired with the iconic phrase “Wah Taj.” The commercial became a cultural touchstone, and "Wah Taj" became a widely recognized catchphrase.
He also made significant contributions to Indian cinema, composing music for films like Manto and Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, and even acted in notable Merchant Ivory productions like Heat and Dust, The Perfect Murder, and Saaz.
Honors and Tributes
Hussain was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. In India, he was honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, three of the country’s highest civilian awards. He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and was recognized internationally, receiving the National Heritage Fellowship in the USA and being named Officier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters.
In addition to his musical contributions, Hussain’s impact on global culture and his role in bridging cultural divides will be remembered for years to come. He was not just a tabla player, but a cultural ambassador who used his art to connect people across the world.
A Farewell to the Ustad
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. As fans and musicians from around the world mourn his passing, they remember a man who transcended borders—of both music and geography—and left an indelible mark on the world.
As we bid farewell to a legend, we can only say what many will be thinking: Wah Ustad.
