North News
Chandigarh, December 16
Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain has died at 73 in a San Francisco hospital due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed on Monday. Hussain, hailed as one of the world’s most celebrated musicians, had been hospitalised for two weeks before being moved to intensive care as his condition worsened. His family described him as “a transcendent artist” in a statement, the news outlet x India Today reported.
Born in 1951, Hussain was a global ambassador for Indian classical music, elevating the tabla to international acclaim with his extraordinary skill and creativity. He mesmerised audiences with his artistry and advocated for universal harmony through his music, The Hindu highlighted.
Hussain was also instrumental in shaping fusion music. His association with the band Shakti—alongside musicians like John McLaughlin and Shankar Mahadevan—spanned decades. The group’s reunion in 2020 produced This Moment, which earned a Grammy for Best Global Music Album, triumphing over artists like Burna Boy and Susana Baca, Mint noted.
Hussain’s death marks the end of an era for Indian classical music, leaving an indelible legacy celebrated across cultures and genres.
