Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain Clinch Best Global Music Album Grammy for “This Moment”: A Triumph in a 50-Year Musical Odyssey
The 2024 Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, witnessed the triumph of Shakti’s Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain as they secured the prestigious Best Global Music Album for “This Moment.” The award-winning album encapsulates a remarkable 50-year musical journey, featuring eight compositions by the band members.
The Grammy Awards 2024, organized by the Recording Academy and hosted by Trevor Noah, has been a highly anticipated event in the music industry. The star-studded night featured outstanding performances by renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, SZA, Billie Eilish, and more. Among the winners, Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain emerged as major victors at the Grammys.
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The reassembled international fusion band Shakti claimed the coveted award for Best Global Music Album with their exceptional work on “This Moment.” Representing the group’s first album in over four and a half decades, the compilation showcased eight original compositions by the talented members of Shakti—John McLaughlin (guitar, guitar synth), Zakir Hussain (tabla), Shankar Mahadevan (vocalist), V Selvaganesh (percussionist), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (violinist).
Competing in a challenging field of contenders, including Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido, Shakti’s “This Moment” stood out and secured the Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
John McLaughlin, a pivotal member of Shakti, expressed his thoughts on the album “This Moment,” stating, “This Moment, the new ‘studio’ album is a true labor of love. The music on this recording represents a quantum leap in the musical evolution of Shakti. It represents 50 years of working and playing together beginning in 1973. The numerous concerts we have played, the number of times we have been together working on our musical development, have brought us to the point where it has all been brought together here and now in the 21st Century.”
Collaborative Effort in Challenging Times:
The album “This Moment” was released on June 30, 2023. During its production, each band member contributed their parts independently from their home cities, resulting in a collaborative effort that transcends geographical boundaries. Shakti’s 50th Anniversary Tour last year, spanning 27 cities with 17 performances across the United States, marked a significant milestone in the band’s illustrious journey.
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Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s victory at the Grammy Awards 2024 not only recognizes their exceptional talent but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Shakti and their contributions to the global music landscape. The award is a testament to the band’s dedication, musical innovation, and the timeless appeal of “This Moment.”