Tabla player Zakir Hussain has been laid to rest in San Francisco

New York: Zakir Hussain has been laid to rest in a San Francisco cemetery on Thursday as noted percussionist. Sivamani and other artistes gave a performance by playing drums a little distance away, paying homage to the tabla player. Hussain, one of the world’s most accomplished percussionists, died on Monday at a San Francisco hospital of complications from the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 73 years old.

He was buried at Fernwood Cemetery in San Francisco on Thursday.

Hundreds of his admirers gathered at Hussain’s funeral to pay their last respects. Sivamani and several other musicians played drums a short distance away to pay homage to him.

Shivamani told a PTI video, “Lay is God, that’s you Zakir bhai. I have learned a lot in our journey since 1982 till now. Every moment you are with us in the rhythm. Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there. We love you Zakir.” brother

Son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakh, Hussain revolutionized the instrument, taking it beyond the confines of classical music into other forms including jazz and western classical.

The legendary musician, one of India’s most celebrated, has received four Grammy Awards in his six-decade-long career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Hussain was awarded Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with many renowned international and Indian artists, but it was his musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements. Jazz in a fusion is still unknown.

After Hussain’s death, Shivamani said in a Facebook post that he would go to San Francisco to meet him for the last time.

“No Zakir brother, you can’t leave us like this. This is unbelievable…I’m on my way to San Francisco. I want to see you..one last time…I want to hold your hand. ..my brother, my master… I am ruined..life will never be the same again,” Shivamani said.

As news of Hussain’s death spread, condolence messages poured in on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music.

Grammy-winning musician Ricky Cage remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, easygoing nature”.

“One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Apart from being great himself, Zakirji was known for being responsible for the careers of many musicians, who are now forced to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure. The skills and knowledge and support and his works Through always shared and encouraged, his legacy will live on forever, and his influence will live on for generations to come, even us soon,” Cage wrote in X after his passing.

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