Team Hindi
Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain are the legendary Father Son duo who have revolutionized Hindustani Classical Music and took Tabla to centre stage in World Music.
Ustad Allah Rakha was a maestro with percussion who transformed the Hindustani Classical Music scene with his masterful Tabla playing. In his time, Tabla was only considered an accompanying instrument but the rhythmic magic of his complex compositions were so mesmerizing, he started performing solo in concerts. He is considered one of the greatest Table players of all time and one of the greatest teachers of Tabla.
Allah Rakha fell in love with the Tabla at the young age of 11. He knew that he had found his calling when he had watched a performance as a child, so much so that he even ran away in the face of parental opposition.
His career took off when he gained recognition as an accomplished artist who had composed new complex rhythms and astonishing taals. He was the first solo performer of tabla in All India Radio, where he met Pandit Ravi Shankar which set off in motion a Golden period of music.
Ustad Allah Rakha is the pioneers of Jugalbandi or Sawaal Jawab style which is now emulated by performers everywhere. He has inspired many tributes from world class musicians and is the father and teacher of child Prodigy Zakir Hussain.
Ustad Zakir Hussain has carried forward Allah Rakha’s legacy of brilliance in percussion with his own innovations and talent. A charming person on stage and off, he has performed in over 150 international concerts and made Tabla a world recognized instrument.
Together they have performed in one of the most unforgettable music concerts and have enchanted Indian and international audiences with complex symphonies. They both are the reason why Tabla is one of hottest selling instruments in the world. They have both made innovations in the music scene and have collaborated with thousands of artists to bring a new perspective in music.
Zakir Hussain is also the winner of the first Grammy in World Music for his contribution to the album, Planet Drum.
Their playing styles were as vastly different as their personalities. Ustad Zakir Hussain with his flamboyant and prolific style while Ustad Allah Rakha a matured performer but just as vibrant in expressions as his son. A joy to watch and a joy to listen, the duo has set ablaze the stage several times since the time Zakir Hussain was a child.
Several artists even today attribute the nurturing of their talent by these two maestros of music.
We can thank the ever strengthening rise of Hindustani Classical Music and percussion to these immense contributers and masters of their field, Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain.
