It’s a moment of immense pride and joy for every Indian as once again, we’ve etched our mark in history by clinching a Grammy at the 66th Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, America on February 5th. Led by vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, guitarist John McLaughlin, tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, ghatam player V. Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, the band Shakti secured the Grammy for their album “This Moment,” released on June 23, 2023. Dive into tracks like “Sono Mama” and “Shrinis Dream” to experience the exquisite blend of Western jazz and Indian Carnatic fusion.
Musical Brilliance
The Grammy, the pinnacle of recognition in the music world, is a dream coveted by every musician. It stands as the epitome of musical excellence, captivating aspiring artists worldwide. This year, India’s triumph at the Grammys is attributed to the remarkable fusion band Shakti, founded by British jazz guitarist John McLaughlin and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Shakti’s unique fusion of Indian Carnatic and Western jazz has created sheer magic.
About Shakti
Comprising five virtuosic musicians—vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, guitarist John McLaughlin, tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, ghatam player V. Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan—Shakti debuted with their groundbreaking album “A Handful of Beauty” in 1976 under Columbia Records. This album redefined our perception of Indian classical music and jazz fusion. Tracks like “Lady L” and “Two Sisters” remain timeless classics. In 1977, Shakti followed up with “Natural Elements,” another masterpiece blending Indian rhythms with jazz melodies. Last year, their album “This Moment” clinched the Grammy.
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Now, let’s delve into the brilliance of Shakti’s members. British jazz guitarist John McLaughlin is renowned for his mastery of jazz vocabulary, having graced bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti. Shankar Mahadevan, an Indian singer, music composer, and songwriter, is celebrated for his contributions to films like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Taare Zameen Par” with his band Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the rhythm wizard, is a legendary tabla player, honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan is a maestro of Indian classical music, whose sublime melodies grace Shakti’s compositions. V. Selvaganesh, one of India’s top kanjira players, has collaborated with luminaries like Dr. L. Subramaniam and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Each member of Shakti brings unparalleled expertise, whether in melody or rhythm, setting the bar sky-high in the world of music.
India’s triumph at the 66th Grammy Awards through the outstanding performance of the fusion band Shakti stands as a testament to the nation’s rich musical heritage and global influence. This victory not only celebrates the exceptional talent of the band members but also underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in music. As we revel in this historic moment, let us continue to support and celebrate the diverse talents emerging from India’s vibrant music scene. With each accolade, we reaffirm our position on the global stage, showcasing the magic that happens when cultures converge through music. Congratulations to Shakti and all those who continue to push boundaries and spread the joy of music worldwide.