‘Wah, Ustad!’: Zakir Hussain Gave Tabla a New Identity, Fused Music to Make Magic

San Fransisco: Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, percussionist, composer, and occasional actor, passed away at 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a San Francisco hospital on Monday. He leaves behind a legacy of more than 60 years of music, which transcended boundaries and fused Indian classical with world music, reshaping the identity of the tabla.

A Prodigy from a Musical Dynasty: A child prodigy, Hussain performed his first concert at the age of seven and began touring at 12. Trained under the guidance of his father, the renowned tabla player Alla Rakha, Zakir was destined for greatness. His journey took him from India to the United States in the early ’70s, where he went on to collaborate with global musical icons, breaking cultural barriers and blending musical traditions.

Breaking Barriers and Blending Genres: Not just confined to classical music, Hussain’s versatility spanned genres like jazz, rock, and fusion. He was the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in 2024, for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Hussain’s notable collaborations included Shakti, Masters of Percussion, Tabla Beat Science, and work with artists like John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, and Béla Fleck.

A Composer and Advocate for Music Integrity: He also composed concertos, notably the first-ever concerto for tabla and orchestra, premiered in 2015. Beyond performance, Hussain was a proud advocate for preserving the integrity of music, often voicing strong opinions about where and how music should be enjoyed.

A Cultural Icon: His fame wasn’t limited to just his music; he became a cultural icon in India and globally, starring in films like “Heat and Dust” and “Manto”, and was even the face of Taj Mahal Tea in a memorable commercial that popularized the phrase “Wah Taj”.

Unmatched Legacy and Global Recognition: Hussain’s impact on the world of music was immeasurable, with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, as well as the National Heritage Fellowship in the US.

A Musical Genius Remembered: Survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, Hussain’s musical genius will continue to resonate with generations to come. His life’s work in music is truly a celebration of boundless creativity, and as his fans bid him farewell, many simply say, “Wah Ustad!”