Zakir Hussain, a renowned tabla maestro, revolutionized the tradition of Indian percussion in the late 20th century. Born in Mumbai in 1951, he learned to play the pakhawaj at a young age and gave his first solo concert at seven. Throughout his career, Hussain collaborated with numerous Indian classical music masters, elevating the profile of the tabla. He received prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri from the Indian government in 1988.
Hussain's international touring career began in the '70s, and he has played over 150 concert dates annually. He co-founded the supergroup Shakti in 1975 and has worked with a diverse range of artists, from Indian musicians to Western stars like George Harrison and Mickey Hart. Hussain's discography includes close to 100 albums, showcasing his mastery of the tabla and his dedication to bridging cultural divides through music.
