Shankar Mahadevan & Zakir Hussain Clinch Best Global Music Album at 66th Annual Grammy Awards
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | February 5, 2024 | News
Shakti Shankar Mahadevan Zakir Hussain This Moment 66th Annual Grammy Awards
India celebrated a moment of pride as the fusion band Shakti, led by singer Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain secured the Best Global Music Album award for their latest release, 'This Moment,' at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
'This Moment' comprises eight songs, showcasing the talents of John McLaughlin (guitar, guitar synth), Zakir Hussain (tabla), Shankar Mahadevan (vocalist), V Selvaganesh (percussionist), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (violinist). The band's lineup also includes guitarist John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan. Another Grammy-winning achievement in the category of Best Global Music Performance was secured by Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia for their track ‘Pashto’.
Shankar Mahadevan expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech, thanking his fellow musicians, expressing pride in India, and acknowledging the support of family and friends. He dedicated the award to his wife, emphasizing her constant support throughout his musical journey.
The ceremony witnessed Shakti competing with notable artists, and 'This Moment' was released on June 30 the previous year. Three-time Grammy Award-winning musician Rickey Kej praised the band's victory, acknowledging the brilliance of Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Ustad Zakhir Hussain, who secured their Grammys through 'This Moment.' Ustad Zakhir Hussain also won a second Grammy alongside virtuoso flute player Rakesh Chaurasia.
'This Moment' marks Shakti's return after 45 years with their first album, released in June 2023. The band, originally formed in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, regrouped in the late '90s with Shankar Mahadevan on vocals and Selvaganesh Vinayakram replacing his father Vikku on percussion. The ensemble gained recognition in the emerging world music genre. Despite disbanding in 1978, Shakti has seen several reconstitutions over the years, each time adding a new creative dimension. After a hiatus following the 2014 demise of Mandolin U Shrinivas, the band once again reassembled in early 2020, welcoming violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan for sold-out concerts in Kolkata and Singapore.
India celebrated a moment of pride as the fusion band Shakti, led by singer Shankar Mahadevan & Zakir Hussain secured the Best Global Music Album award for their latest release, 'This Moment'.