KUALA LUMPUR – The Indian music industry scored a big win at the Grammy Awards today, as musician Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti won the award for best global music album.
The band received the award for their latest album, “This Moment”, which features Shankar (vocalist), John McLaughlin (guitar synth), Zakir (tabla), V. Selvaganesh (percussionist), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (violinist).
The album This Moment, released on June 30 last year, features eight songs.
In an acceptance speech, Shankar said, “Thank you, boys. Thank you, God, family, friends, and India. India, we are proud of you. Last but not least, I would like to dedicate this award to my wife, to whom every note of my music is dedicated.”
The musician’s speech evoked a loud cheer from the crowd.
They were nominated for the Grammys with other artists like Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido.
Meanwhile, Zakir also secured the best global music performance Grammy for his contribution to “Pashto” alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia, a virtuoso flute player.
Zakir bagged three Grammys in one night, while Chaurasia got two awards.
Prominent Indian musician and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman took to X to extend his congratulations.
In a post featuring a picture with Shankar, Zakir, and Selvaganesh, he exclaimed, “It’s raining Grammys for India! Congratulations to the Grammy winners.”
The Grammy Awards took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles today. – February 5, 2024