Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain Clinch Best Global Music Album Award at 2024 Grammy Awards

Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti achieved significant acclaim at the 66th Grammy Awards held on February 5 (IST).

The ensemble secured the prestigious Global Music Album award at the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Comprising renowned musicians such as vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, the eclectic fusion band demonstrated exceptional musical prowess and brought honor to India on the global stage.

Mahadevan expressed heartfelt gratitude

Shankar Mahadevan, in his heartfelt acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to his fellow musicians and conveyed immense pride in representing India on the global stage as they clinched the Best Global Music Album honor at the 2024 Grammys. He extended appreciation to family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his musical journey.

Notably, Mahadevan dedicated the prestigious award to his wife, underscoring her crucial role and constant encouragement in his musical endeavors.

At the 2024 Grammys, Shakti, the fusion band led by Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain, triumphed against notable artists with their album ‘This Moment,’ released on June 30 the previous year. The ceremony saw Ustad Zakhir Hussain winning a second Grammy alongside flutist Rakesh Chaurasia.

Three-time Grammy Award-winner Rickey Kej commended the brilliance of Indian musicians Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Ustad Zakhir Hussain, highlighting their significant achievement with ‘This Moment.’

‘This Moment’ signifies Shakti’s resurgence after a 45-year hiatus, marking their first album released in June 2023. Originally formed in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, the band underwent a revival in the late ’90s with Shankar Mahadevan taking over vocals and Selvaganesh Vinayakram stepping in for his father Vikku on percussion. Shakti achieved acclaim in the emerging world music genre.

Despite disbanding in 1978, the ensemble has experienced multiple reconfigurations over the years, each time introducing new creative dimensions.

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About Shakti Band

Shakti’s groundbreaking transcontinental collaboration brought together Eastern and Western musicians, laying the foundation for what is now recognized as World Music. This unprecedented fusion created a dynamic musical hybrid that captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Shakti’s innovative approach continues to inspire generations of musicians, artists, and thinkers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to embark on their own cross-cultural odysseys.

The band experienced a reformation in 2020, marking its return six years after the tragic loss of Mandolin U. Shrinivas in 2014. The reconstituted lineup, featuring violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, came together for two sold-out concerts. In June 2023, Shakti released their first album titled ‘This Moment,’ comprising eight new compositions and performances.

The album includes tracks such as ‘Shrini’s Dream,’ ‘Bending the Rules,’ ‘Karuna, Giriraj Sudha,’ ‘Mohanam,’ and ‘Las Palmas,’ offering listeners a diverse and vibrant musical journey.

Author

Harshit Maggon
"Inquisitive mind, ink-stained fingers, and a heart set on uncovering stories. Navigating the labyrinth of words as a journalism student, weaving narratives...