Zakir Hussain

Updated: October 28, 2024

Name: Zakir Hussain
Date of Birth: March 9, 1951 (73 years)
Origin: Bombay, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Muslim
Occupation: Tabla player, Composer, Percussionist, Music producer
Genres: Classical
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Antonia Minnecola
Children: Isabella Qureshi, Anisa Qureshi
Parents: Alla Rakha, Bavi Begum
Networth: $50 millions

Biography & Career:
Ustad Zakir Hussain, born on March 9, 1951, and at the age 73, he is one of the world's greatest tabla virtuosos. He is widely recognized musician for his contributions to both Indian classical music and global fusion music. Zakir's father is Ustad Alla Rakha, another legendary tabla player, from whom he inherited his passion and skill. Zakir has two brothers, also musicians. Growing up as the son of a great table player, Zakir began his training at a young age and soon established himself as a prodigious talent, performing internationally by his early twenties​.

Over the years, Zakir has collaborated with numerous musicians across genres. He co-founded Shakti, a fusion band blending Indian classical music with jazz, later reformed as Remember Shakti. His contribution to the Planet Drum Project with Mickey Hart earned him his first Grammy Award in 1991. In 2024, he won three more Grammys, including Best Global Music Album, for his recent works such as This Moment with Remember Shakti.

Zakir’s personal life is as rich as his musical journey. He is married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer who has also served as his manager. Together, they have two daughters, Anisa and Isabella. His family has played an essential role in supporting his career, and he often credits his wife for helping shape his professional path​.

With a career filled with numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, Zakir has elevated the status of the tabla on the world stage. His net worth is estimated $50 million, reflecting his sustained success in both music and education, where he serves as a guest faculty at prestigious institutions​.

Currently, Zakir continues to mesmerize audiences with concerts worldwide. His upcoming events feature collaborations with artists and singers like Rahul Sharma and John McLaughlin.

Albums:

• "Shakti" (1975)
• "Making Music" (1987)
• "Planet Drum" (1991)
• "Remember Shakti" (1999)
• "Global Drum Project" (2007)

  Famous Tracks:

• "Making Music"
• "Mind Ecology"
• "Benediction"
• "The Believer"
• "Planet Drum"
• "Sangam"
• "Is That So?"