On the world music and jazz fusion scene, Zakir Hussain is known as the 'king of the tabla'. Combining the classical musical traditions of Hindustan with contemporary Western trends, Hussain received this special title early in his career, and he has earned it over and over again with an array of hugely successful groups, albums and film scores. From his third birthday, Hussain, who was born in Mumbai in 1951, began taking percussion lessons from his father, who was known as a master of North Indian styles. Hussain was a prodigy and began touring as a 12-year-old, supporting Pandit Ravi Shankar in New York in 1970. He soon became known for his virtuoso instrument solos and bewitching stage presence. While he was completing a doctorate in musical studies in Washington, he was invited to work alongside some legendary performers and played in two bands alongside Mickey Heart: the Diga Rhythm Band and Planet Drum. His real breakthrough, however, came with Shakti, formed in 1974, where he not only connected Western and Indian musical culture alongside John McLaughlin and L. Shankar, but also North Indian Hindustan and South Indian Carnatic musical traditions. His collaborations with Jan Garbarek in the 1980s, as well as with Charley Lloyd in the Sangam Trio, were similarly memorable.
Hussain arrives to Müpa Budapest with his latest band, featuring two world-famous percussionists and an outstanding young sarangi player. Hussain has said that their setlist will change from concert to concert, so the only thing we can safely promise is an evening full of storming rhythms and stunning solos, containing all the profundity and soaring highs of Hindustan music.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest