December 20, 2024: Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso who played a pivotal role in bringing Indian classical music to a global audience, was laid to rest on Friday in San Francisco. His passing on December 15, 2024, has left the world of music in mourning.
The funeral was attended by family members, close friends, and a host of renowned musicians who paid their final respects. Among the mourners was Drummer Sivamani, who, along with other musicians, honored Ustad Zakir Hussain by performing a moving musical tribute during the final rites. Sivamani, known for his deep bond with Hussain, was visibly emotional as he remembered the icon, unable to hold back his tears.
In a heartfelt Instagram post before the funeral, Sivamani shared his grief and reverence for the tabla maestro. [Link to Instagram post]. The funeral also saw hundreds of fans, music lovers, and diaspora members gathering to bid farewell to the musical genius.
On behalf of the Government of India, Consul General of India in San Francisco, K. Srikar Reddy, paid tribute to Ustad Hussain by draping his mortal remains with the Indian national flag, a gesture that underscored the musician’s global significance. Reddy offered condolences to Hussain’s wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, while also reading out the condolence message shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X (formerly Twitter).
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco shared the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government and people of India, Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy paid tribute by draping the mortal remains of Ustad Zakir Hussain with the Indian national flag, offered condolences to his wife Ms. Antonia Minnecola and his family members, and read out the condolence message of Hon’ble PM. Around 300 persons, including his family, friends, musicians [Sivamani and others], music lovers, and diaspora members, paid their last respects.”
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the son of the revered tabla maestro Alla Rakha, was a groundbreaking artist who bridged the gap between traditional Indian music and global genres, blending rich classical rhythms with influences from jazz, rock, and other world music traditions. His music transcended cultural boundaries and will continue to resonate with listeners worldwide.
His family revealed that the cause of his death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a condition that causes progressive scarring of the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s legacy, however, will live on through his music, with his powerful tabla rhythms continuing to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.
He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, who will undoubtedly carry forward his legacy in their own ways. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian and global music, but his contributions will continue to echo in the hearts of fans around the world.
