Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his household mentioned on Monday. He was 73.
Hussain died from problems arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the household mentioned in a press release.
He had been in hospital for the previous two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his situation deteriorated.
Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia mentioned he handed away “very peacefully”.
“He handed away very peacefully after the air flow machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time,” she informed PTI.
Considered the best tabla participant of his era, Hussain is survived by his spouse Antonia Minnecola and their daughters — Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Born on March 9, 1951, he was the son of legendary tabla grasp Ustad Alla Rakha.
The household mentioned in its assertion, “He leaves behind a rare legacy cherished by numerous music lovers across the globe, with an affect that can resonate for generations to return.” In a profession spanning six a long time, Hussain labored with a number of famend worldwide and Indian artistes however it was his 1973 undertaking with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that introduced collectively Indian classical music and parts of jazz in a hitherto-unknown fusion.
Beginning on the age of seven, he went on to collaborate with nearly all of India’s iconic performers, together with Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma, in his profession.
His groundbreaking work with Western musicians resembling Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart and George Harrison introduced Indian classical music to a world viewers, cementing his standing as a worldwide cultural ambassador.
Hussain acquired 4 Grammy Awards in his profession, together with three on the 66th awards ceremony earlier this yr.
The percussionist, one in every of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, acquired the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
As information of Hussain’s passing unfold, messages of condolence poured in on social media.
Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, approachable nature”.
“One of many best musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Together with being the perfect himself, Zakir ji was recognized for… being accountable for the careers of quite a few musicians, who at the moment are forces to reckon with themselves,” Mr Kej mentioned in a put up on X.
“He was a treasure trove of talent and data and all the time shared and inspired the whole music neighborhood by means of collaborations and his actions. His legacy will reside on perpetually, and his affect will likely be felt for generations. He left us too quickly,” he added.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all the music you gave us”.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi additionally paid tribute, describing Hussain as an “irreplaceable legend”.
“The world of music will likely be lesser with out tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his household, mates and his followers all around the globe. My prayers, Om Shanti,” she mentioned on X.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited Hussain for bringing “an accompanying instrument to the forefront”.
“The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain handed away a number of hours in the past. Goodbye Ustad ji. The person who made the tabla attractive, who introduced an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his household, followers and college students across the globe,” Mr Mehta mentioned.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan referred to as the percussionist “a beacon of India’s wealthy musical heritage and a real custodian of classical traditions”.
“Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music throughout the globe, serving as a beacon of India’s wealthy musical heritage. A real custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the humanities stay unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to tradition and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his family members,” Mr Vijayan mentioned.
Expressing his condolences to Hussain’s household, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge referred to as him a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations along with his mesmerising rhythms”.
“The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took ahead the legacy of his father with distinctive performances and collaborations. His quite a few nationwide and worldwide honours are a testomony to this,” Mr Kharge mentioned.
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