Grammy Awards 2024 winner Shakti
Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti made India proud at the 66th Grammys in LA on Monday.
The Grammy Awards 2024 witnessed the triumph of musical brilliance, and among the celebrated winners was the fusion band “Shakti,” led by the virtuosos Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain. Shakti’s victory not only adds another feather to the cap of these renowned musicians but also highlights the exceptional blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that define the essence of Indian fusion music. Let’s delve into five key aspects that showcase the magic of Shakti and its impact on the global music scene.
Shakti bagged the Global Music Album award at Grammy Awards 2024 in Los Angeles on Sunday (Monday in India). The Fusion band Shakti featuring vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan won for the album This Moment. (Also read: Grammy Awards 2024 live updates: Zakir Hussain-Shankar Mahadevan make India proud; Taylor Swift announces 11th album)
Here are 5 things to know about the Grammy-winning band:
Formation of band
The fusion band, Shakti won the Grammy latest release This Moment. The band was formed in 1973, after the dissolution of the first incarnation of the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Shakti Members About Shakti
The band features renowned artists like John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan.
The band was reformed in 2020. Three years later it released their first album as Shakti in 46 years, This Moment, on June 23, 2023. This Moment offers a set of eight new compositions and performances. The album consists of 8 tracks, including Shrini’s Dream, Bending the Rules, Karuna, Giriraj Sudha, Mohanam and Las Palmas.
Reaction on Grammy nomination
Selvaganesh Vinayakram reacted enthusiastically on the band’s Grammy nomination. As per a report by Rolling Stone India, he said: “My son said, ‘So did you watch it?’ I said, ‘What did I watch? No I haven’t.’ Then he said, ‘Shakti was nominated.’ I was freaking out.” Selvaganesh went on to inform his bandmates – John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan and Ganesh Rajagopalan. “I told Shankar that we were nominated. We were all so happy,” he added.
Grammy speech
Upon winning the Grammy, Shankar Mahadevan took to stage and said, “Thank you, boys!” He also expressed his gratitude to God, and thanked their family, their friends, and India. He added that India has their utmost admiration. He dedicated the award to his wife and said that every single note that he composes in his music is dedicated to her.
1. Formation and Origin:
Shakti, meaning “power” or “energy” in Sanskrit, was formed in the 1970s as a pioneering effort to fuse traditional Indian music with elements of jazz. The brainchild of legendary musicians John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, L. Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram, and Ramnad Raghavan, the band aimed to create a unique sonic experience that transcended cultural boundaries. Over the years, the lineup evolved, and the addition of Shankar Mahadevan brought a fresh perspective, enriching the band’s musical tapestry.
2. Distinctive Musical Style:
What sets Shakti apart is its distinctive musical style that seamlessly weaves together classical Indian ragas and rhythms with the improvisational freedom of jazz. The band incorporates a wide array of traditional Indian instruments like the tabla, ghatam, mridangam, and violin, blending them with the guitar and vocals. Shankar Mahadevan’s versatile voice adds a contemporary touch, creating a harmonious fusion that appeals to a diverse global audience.
3. Influence on World Music:
Shakti played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to the international stage and influencing the landscape of world music. Their groundbreaking albums like “Shakti” (1976) and “A Handful of Beauty” (1977) received widespread acclaim for their innovation and virtuosity. The band’s ability to seamlessly traverse between intricate classical compositions and energetic, improvised passages has left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
4. Collaborations and Evolution:
Over the years, Shakti has undergone various transformations, with musicians joining and departing, each contributing to the band’s evolution. The collaboration between Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain brought a contemporary edge to Shakti’s sound. Shankar Mahadevan’s expertise in both classical and contemporary music added a dynamic dimension, enhancing the band’s ability to experiment across genres while maintaining a strong connection to its Indian roots.
5. Impact on Indian Fusion Music:
Shakti’s influence extends beyond its accolades and awards. The band has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Indian fusion music, inspiring subsequent generations of musicians to explore the possibilities of blending diverse musical traditions. Their ability to strike a balance between preserving the authenticity of classical Indian music and embracing innovation has set a benchmark for aspiring artists navigating the realms of fusion.
In conclusion, Shakti’s triumph at the Grammy Awards 2024 is not merely a recognition of their musical prowess but a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy. Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain, along with their fellow musicians, have created a musical phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Shakti’s journey reflects the transcendent power of music to bridge cultural gaps, and their Grammy win solidifies their status as torchbearers of innovation in the realm of fusion music.
