Ustad Zakir Hussain ji🙏

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Zakir Hussain: Exploring the Family Tree of the Tabla Maestro

By Madhuri Adnal

 Updated: Monday, December 16, 2024, 1:35 [IST]

Ustad Zakir Hussain, recognized globally for his unparalleled skill on the tabla, stands as a testament to the transformative power of music that transcends cultural boundaries. Born into a family deeply rooted in musical tradition, with his father Ustad Alla Rakha being a legendary tabla virtuoso, Hussain was destined to follow in the grand musical footsteps laid before him. His journey into the realms of music began early, with his professional debut at the tender age of 12, under the watchful guidance of his father. This early start was the foundation of a career that would later see Hussain become a luminary in the world of music, blending the rich tones of Indian classical music with the vibrant rhythms of global genres.

Throughout his career, Hussain has been at the forefront of musical innovation, collaborating with a myriad of artists across different genres, such as George Harrison, Mickey Hart, and the fusion band Shakti. This eclectic mix of collaborations highlights his versatility as a musician and his commitment to exploring the confluence of musical traditions. His work has not only won him critical acclaim but has also garnered him multiple Grammy Awards, including an unprecedented three Grammy wins in 2024. These accolades – Best Global Music Performance for "Pashto," Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for "As We Speak," and Best Instrumental Composition for "Motion" – mark him as the first Indian musician to achieve such a feat in a single year.

Hussain's contributions to music extend beyond his Grammy victories, earning him several prestigious Indian awards such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, alongside a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship. His influence is recognized globally, with the National Heritage Fellowship in the USA adding to his long list of honors. His notable works, including "Shakti" with John McLaughlin, "Planet Drum" with Mickey Hart, and "The Melody of Rhythm" with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer, underscore his legacy as a pioneer in the fusion of musical genres.

The life and work of Ustad Zakir Hussain have been meticulously chronicled in "Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music" by Nasreen Munni Kabir, which delves into his early years, musical training, and career. This book, based on interviews conducted over two years, sheds light on Hussain's role in shaping the fusion music scene and revolutionizing Indian rhythm scores. His influence has been further bolstered by the mentorship he received from other luminaries such as Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, underlining his deep connection to the traditional roots of Indian classical music.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, Hussain's formal education took him to St. Michael's High School and St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Despite the academic path, his heart was always tuned to the rhythms of music. His marriage to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and his manager, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, have enriched his personal life, blending the worlds of music, dance, and family.

Ustad Zakir Hussain's journey from a young tabla prodigy in Mumbai to a global music icon is a narrative of dedication, innovation, and the universal language of music. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional Indian classical music and diverse global sounds has not only earned him a revered spot in the music industry but also made him a pivotal figure in the cultural dialogue between East and West. His legacy, marked by awards, collaborations, and groundbreaking compositions, continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

Zakir Hussain had two brothers: Taufiq Qureshi, a renowned percussionist, and Fazal Qureshi, also a skilled tabla player. Sadly, their brother Munawar passed away at a young age after being attacked by a rabid dog. Hussain's eldest sister, Bilquis, died before his birth, while another sister, Razia, tragically passed away due to complications from cataract surgery, just hours before their father's death in 2000. He also had a sister named Khurshid Aulia.

Khurshid Aulia.

Hussain was honored as an Old Dominion Fellow by the Humanities Council at Princeton University, where he spent the 2005-2006 semester as a full professor in the music department. He also served as a visiting professor at Stanford University. In May 2022, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) degree by Mumbai University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of music.

Date of Birth: 9 March, 1951

Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Birth Name: Zakir Hussain Qureshi

Profession: Tabla player, music producer, film actor and composer

Instruments: Tabla, Pakhawaj

Spouse: Antonia Minnecola

Children: Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi

Father: Ustad Allarakha Qureshi

Mother: Bavi Begum