In a resounding victory for Indian music on the global stage, Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain emerged as big winners at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles last night.
The dynamic duo clinched the prestigious award for the ‘Best Global Music Album’ for their collaboration on the album ‘This Moment.’ The album, titled ‘This Moment,’ was released on June 30th last year and features eight mesmerizing tracks crafted by an ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians, including John McLaughlin (guitar synth), Zakir Hussain (tabla), Shankar Mahadevan (vocalist), V Selvaganesh (percussionist), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (violinist).
The Grammy success was particularly significant for the fusion band ‘Shakti,’ of which both Mahadevan and Hussain are key members. Their innovative blend of musical genres and cultural influences showcased the rich diversity of Indian music to a global audience.
Shankar Mahadevan, visibly elated after receiving the award, dedicated the accolade to his wife and expressed his pride in bringing this recognition to India. He stated, “This is a proud moment for our country, and I want to share this with every Indian who loves music. My heartfelt gratitude to my wife for her unwavering support.”
Adding to the glory of the evening, Zakir Hussain not only secured the ‘Best Global Music Album’ award but also clinched the ‘Best Global Performance’ award for ‘Pashto,’ a collaboration with Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. This remarkable feat earned Hussain a total of three Grammy Awards in a single night, underscoring his unparalleled contribution to the world of music.
The 2024 Grammy Awards were a celebration of musical excellence, and Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s victories marked a historic moment for Indian music on the international stage. The fusion of traditional Indian elements with contemporary musical expressions in ‘This Moment’ showcased the duo’s exceptional talent and left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
