According to a family statement released on Monday, Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain died in San Francisco at the age of 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed the sad news today, expressing their profound grief over the loss of the musical genius whose rhythms transcended boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide.
The descendants of Hussain include his sister Khurshid Aulia, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, his wife Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and her family, and Isabella Qureshi and her family.
Rakesh Chaurasia, a flautist and Hussain's friend, had earlier on Sunday claimed that the Tabla legend was admitted to the ICU of the San Francisco hospital due to heart-related issues. On Sunday, however, preliminary reports said that the 73-year-old artist had died. However, his publicist refuted these allegations, and said he was receiving hospital treatment and "had not passed".
His family released the following formal statement on Hussain's death on Monday: "Many musicians have been profoundly impacted by his extensive work as a teacher, mentor, and educator. He wanted to motivate the following generation to do more. As one of the greatest musicians of all time and a cultural ambassador, he leaves behind an unmatched legacy.
Hussain was a "cultural ambassador who surpassed boundaries and generations with his mesmerising rhythms," according to Mallikarjun Kharge, national president of the Congress, who also offered his condolences on his loss. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan referred to the master of the tabla as a "beacon of India's rich musical legacy and a real protector of classical traditions."
Zakir Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri from India. In addition, he has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, which is a lifetime honour. He received numerous more honours over his stellar career, such as two Grammy Awards for Planet Drum with Mickey Hart and three more this March (2024), one with John McLaughlin and the band Shakti, and two for his work with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and Rakesh Chaurasia.The only Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night is Zakir Hussain.
The funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but a memorial concert is expected to be organized to celebrate his life and contributions.
Zakir Hussain's death leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music, but his legacy as a maestro who bridged cultures through rhythm will continue to resonate for generations.
