Name: Zakir Hussain's Masters Of Percussion
Start: 2025-03-22T20:00:00-07:00
Location: Soka Performing Arts Center

[Zakir Hussain] is the “indisputable tabla maestro” - Gramophone
“unparalleled contribution to the world of music”
- SF Jazz’s Lifetime Achievement Award

FEATURED ARTISTS:
Zakir Hussain, tabla
Sabir Khan, sarangi
Tupac Mantilla, percussion
Melissa Hié, djembe
Navin Sharma, dholak

The undisputed tabla star of his generation, Zakir Hussain possesses a “virtuosity that is barely to be believed” (The Washington Post). For his legion of Cal Performances fans, Hussain returns with his dazzling Masters of Percussion program, a gathering of fellow musical heavyweights representing a myriad of cultures and traditions, from Indian classical music to jazz. The spirit of collaboration and exchange runs in Hussain’s veins—he began touring more than two decades ago in a duo with his late father and mentor, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, and today keeps that artist’s memory alive through these spirited concerts featuring the world’s finest percussionists. This year’s Masters of Percussion group features Hussain joined by Indian sarangi player (and son of legendary sarangi player Ustad Sultan Khan) Sabir Khan; Colombian-born jazz master Tupac Mantilla; balafon, barra, djembe, and conga player Melissa Hié, and master of the dholak and tabla student of Hussain’s father Ustad Allarakha, Navin Sharma.
Zakir Hussain made history by receiving three GRAMMYS® in one ceremony, the first Indian musician to achieve this honor. Widely celebrated as the undisputed tabla maestro of his generation, Hussain’s performances are nothing short of mesmerizing, earning him accolades from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. His career is a testament to his talent and dedication, bringing the tabla to global prominence and collaborating with artists like George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, and Béla Fleck. His music transcends boundaries, combining traditional Indian rhythms with global sounds to create something uniquely captivating.
In addition to his GRAMMY® wins, Hussain has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. He has also been recognized internationally, receiving the SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kyoto Prize for his contributions to music and culture.
Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion is a spectacular showcase of drumming virtuosos from diverse traditions, celebrating the rhythmic tapestry of global music. This unique concert experience is a journey through different cultures, led by a musician whose mastery and charisma are unmatched. Audiences can expect an evening filled with electrifying rhythms, intricate beats, and a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. The concert is a feast for the senses, offering a dynamic and immersive experience that highlights the universal language of percussion.
This is more than just a performance—it’s an exploration of the powerful connection between music and culture, a testament to the unifying force of art. Join us for an unforgettable evening with Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion, and be part of a musical journey that promises to leave you spellbound.