Ustad Zakir Hussain was a miracle who opened our ears to the possibilities of Indian percussion. His energy was uplifting and electric. There are no real words to describe this loss. His relationship with tabla was one of pure love, and this instrument seemed a natural extension of his spirit.
I began to gravitate towards Zakirji, when I heard his dynamic and multi-faceted sound and the weight of each of his strokes. He defied genres in leading and performing in groundbreaking collaborations like “Shakti”. Through his dedication to tabla and his unwavering love for rhythm he has a profound impact on everyone who listens to him, tabla as a tradition and music across the globe.
I met him once after a concert at Roy Thomson Hall. I lined up outside his dressing room and even though he had a long day, performed for over 2 hours and greeted countless people, he made time for me. I told him I played tabla, and I, a tabla baby, handed my cd to him, a tabla colussus. He took it and told me that he would listen to it in the bus while in transit to his next stop. He was kind and so down to earth. This meeting meant the world to me.
Zakirji, I will listen to your music forever. You are all around us and we love you.
