Born on March 9, 1951 into a family of musical excellence, Zakir was the son of the legendary Ustad Allarakha, and he began his career at an astonishingly young age. A child prodigy, he performed his first professional concert at the age of twelve, accompanying some of India’s greatest classical musicians and dancers. By the time he was eighteen, he was already performing on international stages, his talent undeniable. He was the eldest of three brothers, each contributing to the rich legacy of Indian percussion, with his siblings Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi becoming notable tabla players and percussionists in their own right.

Zakir’s brilliance was not confined to classical music alone. He was a trailblazer in the world music movement, collaborating with some of the greatest names in music across genres and borders. His collaborations with musicians like George Harrison, John McLaughlin, Van Morrison, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Mickey Hart expanded the horizons of the tabla, making it a global symbol of rhythmic artistry. He was a key member of the pioneering world fusion bands Shakti and Remember Shakti, pushing the boundaries of classical Indian music while embracing jazz, rock, and beyond. Through groundbreaking projects such as Planet Drum, Tabla Beat Science, Global Drum Project, and Sangam, Zakir redefined what the tabla could do on the world stage.

Saaz (1988)

A five-time Grammy Award winner, Zakir’s achievements in music were unparalleled. He made history at the 2024 Grammys by winning three awards in a single night, bringing his Grammy tally to five. His remarkable ability to seamlessly blend classical Indian rhythms with global sounds earned him numerous accolades, including the first-ever Grammy for Best World Music Album in 1992 for Planet Drum, and another in 2009 for Global Drum Project. His collaboration with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia in Pashto and As We Speak further cemented his place as a true innovator in world music.