Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain laid to relaxation in San Francisco, percussionist Sivamani pays musical tribute

Percussionist A. Sivamani performs through the funeral of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain at Fernwood Cemetery in San Francisco, USA on Thursday (December 19, 2024).
| Picture Credit score: PTI

Zakir Hussain was laid to relaxation on Thursday (December 19, 2024) at a San Francisco cemetery as famend percussionist A, Sivamani and different artistes carried out on their drums at a bit of distance away in a tribute to the tabla maestro.

Hussain, one of many world’s most completed percussionists, died at a San Francisco hospital on Monday (December 16, 2024) attributable to problems arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung illness. He was 73.

He was laid to relaxation on the Fernwood cemetery in San Francisco on Thursday (December 19, 2024).

Tons of of his admirers gathered at Hussain’s funeral to pay their final respects. Sivamani and several other different musicians performed drums at a bit of distance away to pay him a tribute.

Mr. Sivamani instructed PTI Video, “Rhythm is God, that’s you Zakir bhai. I realized rather a lot in our journey from 1982 until now. Each second you might be right here with us within the rhythm. Each time I hit the rhythm, you might be there. We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a beautiful journey. Please give my pranam to all of the masters.”

Hussain, the son of the legendary tabla participant Alla Rakha, revolutionised the instrument, taking it past the boundaries of classical music to different kinds, together with jazz and Western classical.

The celebrated musician, considered one of India’s most well-known, acquired 4 Grammy Awards in his profession spanning six many years, together with three on the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this yr.

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

Hussain acquired the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

In his profession spanning six many years, the musician labored with a number of famend worldwide and Indian artistes, nevertheless it was his 1973 musical challenge with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that introduced collectively Indian classical and components of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

Sivamani after Hussain’s loss of life in a Fb submit stated he would go to San Francisco to see him for the final time.

“No Zakir Bhai, you can’t depart us like this. That is simply unbelievable. I am on the best way to San Francisco. I need to see you, one final time. I need to maintain your fingers, my brother, my Guru. I am devastated. life won’t ever be the identical once more,” Mr. Sivamani had stated.

Messages of condolence poured in on social media because the information of Hussain’s demise unfold.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to as him a real genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music.

Grammy winner musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, approachable nature”.

“One of many best musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Together with being the very best himself, Zakirji was recognized for…being answerable for the careers of quite a few musicians, who are actually forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of ability and information and all the time shared and inspired all the music neighborhood by way of collaborations and his actions. His legacy will reside on eternally, and his affect will probably be felt for generations. He left us too quickly,” Mr. Kej had written on X after his demise.