Fans Outraged as Grammys 2025 Exclude Zakir Hussain from In Memoriam Segment

Social media erupts as fans call out the Recording Academy for omitting the late tabla maestro, a four-time Grammy winner, from the tribute montage.

February 3, 2025: Grammys 2025 Faces Backlash for Snubbing Zakir Hussain in In Memoriam Tribute

The 67th Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, sparked a wave of criticism from Indian music fans after the Recording Academy failed to include Ustad Zakir Hussain in its In Memoriam segment. The annual montage pays homage to legendary musicians who passed away in the previous year. However, the exclusion of the four-time Grammy-winning tabla maestro, who passed away in December 2024, left many outraged.

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What Happened at the Ceremony?
Coldplay’s Chris Martin led the tribute, honoring icons such as Liam Payne, Kris Kristofferson, and Cissy Houston. However, fans were quick to notice that Zakir Hussain’s name and contributions were glaringly absent, despite his groundbreaking achievements and immense influence on global music.

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Social Media Backlash
The omission did not sit well with fans, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment.

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• One user wrote, “Dude, where the hell is Ustaad Zakir Hussain???”

• Another pointed out, “How come there was no mention of Zakir Hussain in the Grammy obituary? He was a winner just last year.”

• A furious fan added, “Just last year, Zakir Hussain won three Grammys, and he didn’t even get included in the tribute section. Idiots!”

• Zakir Hussain’s Legacy
• Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as a global ambassador of Indian classical music, had an illustrious career. At the 66th Grammy Awards, he made history by winning three Grammys in one night, including Best Global Music Album. His mastery over the tabla transcended genres, influencing both Indian and Western music.

The maestro passed away at 73 in San Francisco, leaving behind an indelible legacy. Honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music remain unparalleled.

A Missed Opportunity
Fans and musicians alike are calling for the Recording Academy to acknowledge this oversight and honor Zakir Hussain posthumously. For many, his exclusion from the tribute feels like a disservice to his extraordinary contributions to the global music landscape.

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Grammys 2025, Zakir Hussain, In Memoriam Controversy, Tabla Maestro, Indian Classical Music, Chris Martin, Recording Academy, Global Music Awards