Photo credit: www.news18.com
Zakir Hussain’s Absence from Grammys 2025 In Memoriam Segment Sparks Outrage
On February 3, 2025, the music world was abuzz following the Grammys, where prominent Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain was notably absent from the In Memoriam segment. Hussain made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian artist to receive three Grammy Awards, yet his exclusion from this year’s tribute has left many Indian music fans feeling slighted.
The In Memoriam Segment: A Time for Reflection
Each year, the Grammy Awards, orchestrated by the Recording Academy, take a moment to honor musicians who have passed away in the preceding year. This ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the contributions these artists made to the music industry. Unfortunately, Husain, who passed away in December 2024 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, was not included in this solemn recognition.
A Shocking Oversight?
The absence of Hussain from the ceremony sent shockwaves through social media platforms, with fans expressing their disbelief and disapproval. Many took to Twitter and Instagram to voice their frustrations, questioning how such an esteemed artist could be overlooked. One user on X remarked, “How come no mention of Zakir Hussain in Grammy obituary #Grammys2025 he was a winner last year?” Another chimed in with, “Big miss. I didn’t see @RecordingAcad mention Zakir Hussain in the memoriam section. #GRAMMYs.”
Another comment touched on the irony that while Hussain’s name appeared in various tributes to musicians lost in 2024, he was still omitted from the actual In Memoriam segment of the event.
A Legacy Remembered
Hussain was much more than just a celebrated musician; he was a global ambassador for Indian classical music. With a career that spanned decades, he collaborated with a diverse array of artists and garnered accolades that echoed far beyond India’s borders. Survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, Hussain’s legacy lives on through his groundbreaking contributions to music.
During the 2025 Grammy Awards, other significant figures in the music industry were acknowledged, including Liam Payne, Kris Kristofferson, Cissy Houston, and several others. However, the snub of Hussain has left a glaring absence in the hearts of his fans and the Indian music community, marking a regrettable chapter in the history of the prestigious awards ceremony.
Source
www.news18.com