A monumental moment for Indian music unfolded at the 2024 Grammy Awards, as the fusion music stalwarts of Shakti claimed the coveted trophy for Best Global Music Album for their latest offering, “This Moment.” The group, consisting of iconic figures like tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and the versatile vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, has astounded the world with a fine blend of traditional Indian classical music and elements of jazz.
The ensemble’s lineup for “This Moment” was a roster of maestros, featuring founding member and legendary British guitarist John McLaughlin, alongside Hussain, Mahadevan, violin maestro Ganesh Rajagopalan, and the dynamic percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram. This combination of genius ensured an auditory journey that was as innovative as it was nostalgic.
As the victory was announced, social media erupted with congratulatory messages. The Recording Academy posted on their X page, “Congrats Best Global Music Album winner – ‘This Moment’ Shakti. #GRAMMYs,” complementing their shout-out with images capturing the essence of the band’s victory.
This accolade particularly marks a historic milestone for Shakti, as “This Moment” represents their first studio album in an impressive span of over 45 years since their 1975 debut. Upon its release in June 2023, the album was met with universal praise from critics and audiences alike.
During the heartfelt acceptance speech, Shankar Mahadevan took the opportunity to honor absent members and expressed the group’s patriotism, “We miss you, John Ji. Zakir Hussain, he just had another Grammy today. Thank you boys, God, family, friends, and India. We are proud of you, India,” dedicating the win to his wife Sangeeta. Violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan expressed his gratitude to the Recording Academy for the recognition.
The iconic Zakir Hussain, already backstage for his own triumph, won two additional Grammys, sweeping the ceremony with his musical mastery. ‘Pashto’ brought him the Best Global Music Performance award, while ‘As We Speak’—a collaboration with American banjo player Bela Fleck and bassist Edgar Meyer, also featuring Indian flute virtuoso Rakesh Chaurasia—secured the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Two-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej, present at the ceremony, lauded the outstanding achievements, labeling 2024 as “the year of India at the Grammys.” Kej took to the social media sphere to highlight the excitement, celebrating Hussain’s trio of Grammys and Chaurasia’s double win.
John McLaughlin’s founding vision for Shakti back in 1973, together with Hussain, Indian violinist L Shankar, and ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram, laid down the foundation for what many now refer to as world music. Imbued with the spirit of cultural convergence, the group has been a pioneering force steeped in a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Shakti has consistently mesmerized audiences across the globe and has been a source of inspiration for countless musicians, artists, and thinkers. Their innovative approach to music seamlessly bridges profound musical traditions and has, in doing so, crafted an unparalleled legacy that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
The 2024 Grammy Awards, held in the luminescent spectacle of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, proved to be a night that not only celebrated global musical diversity but also underscored the profound artistic impact of cross-cultural collaborations. As Shakti continues to weave its magic through soul-stirring melodies and rhythms, their Grammy win stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and universal language of music.
