Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain laid to rest in San Francisco, percussionist Sivamani pays musical tribute

Renowned percussionist Zakir Hussain laid to rest in San Francisco as musicians pay tribute at his funeral.

Zakir Hussain was laid to rest on Thursday (December 19, 2024) at a San Francisco cemetery as renowned percussionist A, Sivamani and other artistes performed on their drums at a little distance away in a tribute to the tabla maestro.

Hussain, one of the world’s most accomplished percussionists, died at a San Francisco hospital on Monday (December 16, 2024) due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. He was 73.

He was laid to rest at the Fernwood cemetery in San Francisco on Thursday (December 19, 2024).

Hundreds of his admirers gathered at Hussain's funeral to pay their last respects. Sivamani and several other musicians played drums at a little distance away to pay him a tribute.

Mr. Sivamani told PTI Video, "Rhythm is God, that is you Zakir bhai. I learned a lot in our journey from 1982 till now. Every moment you are here with us in the rhythm. Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there. We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a lovely journey. Please give my pranam to all the masters."

Hussain, the son of the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, revolutionised the instrument, taking it beyond the limits of classical music to other forms, including jazz and Western classical.

The celebrated musician, one of India’s most well-known, received four Grammy Awards in his career spanning six decades, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.