05 February,2024 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AR Rahman with Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain and Selva Ganesh
India woke up to a happy Monday morning as desi musicians won big at the Grammys 2024. Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain's 'Shakti' band won the Best Global Music Album award for 'This Moment' at Grammys 2024. It was the first-ever Grammy award for most Indian musicians and Zakir Hussain created history with 3 wins in a night.
AR Rahman who attended the Grammys 2024 was all praise for the Indian musician who bagged the awards. He took to Instagram on Monday morning to share a selfie with three of the winners of the night- Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, and Selva Ganesh.
Sharing the happy selfie, Rahman wrote, "It's raining Grammys for India â¦Congrats Grammy winners #ustadzakirhussain (3grammys) @shankar.mahadevan (first Grammy) @selvaganesh (first Grammy )".
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In his acceptance speech, Shankar Mahadevan said, "Thank you boys. Thank you God, family, friends and India. India, we are proud of you." His shout-out to the nation evoked a loud cheer from the crowd. Mahadevan also thanked his wife for her constant support. "Last but not the least, I would like to dedicate this award to my wife whom every note of my music is dedicated to," he added.
The group also features guitarist John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan. At the ceremony, Shakti band competed with other artists like Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido. 'This Moment' album was released on June 30 last year.
Meanwhile, Ustad Zakir Hussain bagged three awards at the Grammy Awards 2024. The tabla player and music composer picked up the coveted award in 'Best Global Music Performance' category for 'Pashto'.
In his acceptance speech for 'Pashto' on behalf of Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia- his fellow musicians- the 72-year-old Mumbai born percussionist said, "Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all these great musicians for giving us beautiful music...our deepest thanks to our families...without them, we are nothing... without love, without music, without harmony, we are nothing."
'As We Speak' in which the tabla maverick has collaborated with Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia won the Grammy for the 'Best Contemporary Instrumental Album' category.