Australian Musician been promoting the January Australian performances of the multi-award winning As We Speak group featuring Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia . The concerts, scheduled for January 17 in Melbourne and January 18 in Sydney 2025 had been recently cancelled due to illness.
Earlier in the day, more information had emerged through The New India Express reporting that “Tabla maestro c in critical condition; admitted to ICU in San Francisco with heart problems. The 73-year-old US-based musician, who has taken the tabla to the global stage, had been having blood pressure issues, said Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani. Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has been admitted to the ICU of a San Francisco hospital with heart related problems, his friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia said on Sunday.”
Sadly, later in the day Zakir Hussain’s death was confirmed by NPR Music. “In a statement, his family said the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time,” his family added.”
Renowned for his mastery of the tabla, Zakir Hussain is a celebrated musician and composer who has achieved international acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards. His contributions to Hindustani classical music, fusion genres, and global collaborations have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential artists worldwide.
The Grammy-winning album As We Speak, featuring Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia showcases the remarkable instrumental skills and diverse musical influences of these four talented musicians. Over twelve tracks, they effortlessly navigate from the intricate rhythms of Indian music to the infectious grooves of funky bass lines, equally comfortable with the complexities of raga.
RIP Zakir Hussain