Shakti’s Grammy nomination: Ustad Zakir Hussain’s farewell gift to the music world

It feels like a fitting culmination of a pioneering musical journey, as tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain bids farewell to the global stage on a resounding note – two Grammy nominations for his final outing with Shakti, the Indo-jazz group he co-founded with British guitar maestro John McLaughlin.

nomination for Mind Explosion: Shakti 50th Anniversary Tour – Live from 2024 The award for Best Global Music Album echoes half a century of musical harmony, improvisation and innovation that redefined the boundaries of East-West fusion.

(From left) Selvaganesh, Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, Ganesh and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Photo Credits: Courtesy: Shakti

The live album captures the electric synergy of the band’s milestone tour, combining the maestro’s rhythmic brilliance with McLaughlin’s fluid guitar lines, Shankar Mahadevan’s soaring voice, Selvaganesh’s rhythmic kanjira and Ganesh Rajagopalan’s emotive violin. The tour took the band around the world, starting on January 20, 2023, at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel Ground in Bengaluru. He also performed in Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi before going to Europe and America.

‘Shrini’s Dream’ Former band member and mandolin prodigy U. Is dedicated to Srinivas. Photo Courtesy: The Hindu Archives

Shakti’s second nomination, for Srini’s dream In the Best Global Music Performance category, Mandolin Prodigy U. A heartfelt tribute to Srinivas – a former Shakti member whose talent left an indelible mark on Indian classical and fusion music. This track beautifully weaves memories into the melody.

For Ustad Zakir Hussain, these nominations are more than professional milestones – they are a gift to his bandmates, to the genre he helped shape and to the audiences who have followed Shakti’s journey across decades and continents.

Anushka Shankar has also been nominated in two categories. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Not just Shakti, there are other Indian and Indian-origin artists who have made headlines at the Grammy nominations. Sitarist Anoushka Shankar, sarod player Alam Khan, jazz musician Charu Suri and sound artist Siddhant Bhatia are among those recognized for their unique work in the genre. Anushka has made it to the list for the 11th time, which is a testament to her lasting influence in global music. He has been nominated in two categories. his single dawn, Made with Alam and percussionist Sarathi Korwar, is in the running for Best Global Music Performance, while the trio’s collaborative album Chapter III: We return to the light Competing for Best Global Music Album. The project blends Indian classical textures with contemporary sonic landscapes, continuing the musical dialogue once shared by sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar (Anushka’s father) and sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (Alam’s father).

Madurai-born and US-based pianist and composer Charu Suri. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

New York-based jazz pianist Charu Suri has earned a nomination in the contemporary instrumental album category. ShayanA meditative blend of Indian ragas and jazz improvisation. Siddhant Bhatia’s sound of aquariusInspired by the sound and spiritual energy of the Kumbh Mela, the song has received a nomination in the Global Music Album category.

Together, these artists reflect the growing global appreciation for Indian classical, devotional and fusion music, which is reshaping the art of music production.