Indian music celebrated a historic night at the 2024 Grammys, with fusion group Shakti clinching the award for Best Global Music Album and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain bagging an impressive three awards.
Shakti's "This Moment", their first studio album in over 45 years, garnered prestigious recognition, marking a significant win for the group featuring Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Selvaganesh Vinayakram.
The Indian music community erupted in joy, with fellow musician AR Rahman sharing a celebratory selfie with the winners and three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej expressing his elation.
Rahman shared a selfie on Instagram with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, singer Shankar Mahadevan and V Selvaganesh, as all of them smiled for the camera.
He captioned the post: “It’s raining Grammys for India …Congrats Grammy winners #ustadzakirhussain (3grammys) @shankar.mahadevan (first Grammy) @selvaganesh (first Grammy ) (National flag and fire emojis).”
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Zakir Hussain's musical prowess shone brightly, earning him an additional two Grammys. He bagged the award for Best Global Music Performance for "Pashto" and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for "As We Speak" alongside Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. This brings his total Grammy wins to an impressive three for the night!
Shankar Mahadevan, receiving his first Grammy alongside Ganesh and Selvaganesh, expressed his gratitude, dedicating the win to his wife and acknowledging the contributions of John and Zakir, who was backstage after winning another Grammy earlier that night.
"We miss you, John ji. Zakir Hussain, he just had another Grammy today. Thank you boys, God, family, friends and India. We are proud of you, India," said Shankar in the speech.
Kej called it "India's year at the Grammys" and lauded the achievements of the Indian artists, highlighting Rakesh Chaurasia's two wins and Zakir Hussain's historic triple victory.
"Wowwww.. this is truly India's year at the Grammys!!! Wowww.. Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram and Ustad Zakhir Hussain.. India is truly shining!! Thrilled!!!! 5 Indians win in a single year :-) #GRAMMYs #GRAMMYs2024," he wrote.
Had an excellent time at the Grammys :-)
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) February 5, 2024
For those of you who want to know.. here are the new Grammy Award Winners from India.. All superb musicians and some are living legends!
For Bela Flecks - As We Speak (2 Grammy wins)
1) Ustad Zakir Hussain
2) Rakesh Chaurasia
For John… pic.twitter.com/CGEUJXuww4
This remarkable night at the Grammys marks a pivotal moment for Indian music on the global stage, showcasing the power of collaboration, cultural fusion, and individual talent. The wins by Shakti and Zakir Hussain serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian music around the world.
