LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Indian American and Indian musicians win big at the 2024 Grammys. Legendary tabla player, composer and percussionist Ustad Zakir Hussain bagged three awards. Nephew of the legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, flutist Rakesh Chaurasia, famed Bollywood singer & composer Shankar Mahadevan, Carnatic percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan were among the other Indian-origin artists who won. Their exceptional talent and dedication to music have garnered worldwide acclaim, making the Indian diaspora proud.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, a living legend, secured three Grammys in one night, including Best Global Music Performance for “Pashto” and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for “As We Speak” and the Best Global Music album collaboration for the fusion band, Shakti.
Virtuoso flutist Rakesh Chaurasia triumphed with two Grammy wins as part of the ensemble of Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer for their works on “Pashto” and “As We Speak.”
Fusion band Shakti, featuring Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, and Ganesh Rajagopalan, won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album for their latest release, “This Moment.”
These wins mark a historic moment for Indian classical music at the Grammy Awards, with a total of five Indian-origin artists recognized for their exceptional contributions.
The Grammy for Best Global Music Album for “This Moment” by Shakti signifies a remarkable comeback for the group after more than 45 years since their last studio album. Released in June 2023, the album features eight captivating tracks showcasing the talents of the Indian musicians alongside John McLaughlin.
Expressing gratitude for the awards, Ustad Zakir Hussain emphasized the importance of love and music in his acceptance speech. Rakesh Chaurasia also shared in the celebration, expressing joy at being part of such a momentous occasion.
While Indian artists celebrated their victories, the 66th Annual Grammy Awards also honored global talents like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. Miley Cyrus received her first Grammy for “Flowers,” while Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” earned her another accolade.
Additionally, the nomination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s collaboration with Falu in the Best Global Music Performance category showcased India’s diverse musical landscape. Although the nomination did not result in a win, it highlighted the global impact of Indian music and culture.
Overall, the 2024 Grammy Awards marked a triumph for Indian artists, showcasing their talent and creativity on the global stage while inspiring future generations to pursue their musical aspirations.
