The Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2024 was clinched by Shakti, a fusion music ensemble composed of tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, for their remarkable work, "This Moment." Alongside Hussain and Mahadevan, the album prominently features founding member guitarist John McLaughlin, as well as violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.
Shakti’s “This Moment”, the group’s first studio album in more than 45 years, was released to critical acclaim in June 2023.The Recording Academy, which conducts the Grammy Awards, made the announcement on its X page. “Congrats Best Global Music Album winner - ‘This Moment’ Shakti. #GRAMMYs,” the post read.
Mahadevan, who took the stage alongside Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh, gave a shout-out to McLaughlin and Hussain. While McLaughlin gave the ceremony a miss, Hussain was backstage as he had won another Grammy.“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,” said Mahadevan in the speech, dedicating the win to his wife Sangeeta. Rajagopalan thanked the Recording Academy for the recognition.
Zakir Hussain won two more Grammys at the event: one for best global music performance for ‘Pashto’ and the other for best contemporary instrumental album for ‘As We Speak’ alongside American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer, featuring Indian flute player Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of legendary flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia.
The wins are being celebrated online by notable Indian figures, including composer Ricky Kej who posted on X, formerly Twitter: “This is truly India's year at the Grammys!!! Wowww … Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram and Ustad Zakir Hussain … India is truly shining!! Thrilled!!!! Six Indians win in a single year.”
Last year, Shakti concluded its journey with a final performance at a commemorative 50th anniversary showcase hosted at London's Hammersmith Apollo. 'Asian Voice' covered the event and published a review titled "Emotional Audience Bids Farewell to Shakti with Standing Ovation at Their Final London Show" on July 8, 2023.
At the 2024 Grammys, women dominated the night, with Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, SZA, and Miley Cyrus snagging major awards. Swift made history with her fourth Album of the Year win for "Midnights." Cyrus earned her first-ever Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance with "Flowers." Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie won Best Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media. SZA led with nine nominations and took home three awards. Victoria Monét secured Best New Artist and Best R&B Album.
