Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from around the world, with the music world and his countless fans deeply saddened by renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, a Padma Vibhushan awardee.
Three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Ricky Cage is ‘shocked’ and ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of legendary maestro Zakir Hussain. He called him one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced.
“Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing away of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain @zakirhq9. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Besides being great himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, easygoing nature. , and For being responsible for the careers of many musicians, who are now forced to reckon with themselves, the wealth of skill and knowledge and the support and encouragement he always shared and encouraged the entire music community through his works, his legacy. will live forever, and he left us too soon.
Taking to his ax handle, he shared a video and wrote,
“Can’t wrap my head around the news. I’m in pain. Sending love and strength to all his fans during this difficult time. May we find comfort in his legacy and the joy he brought into our lives.”
Throughout his career, Ustad Zakir Hussain collaborated with some of the most prestigious names in the traditional Indian and global music scenes. He worked with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan and was a key figure in creating international fusion bands like Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin and Planet Drum with the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart.
His collaboration on the Planet Drum album also earned him a Grammy Award.