Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, and Zakir Hussain’s Fusion Band Shakti Wins Best Global Music Album Award at the 2024 Grammys

Indian fusion band Shakti has won the Best Global Music Album award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

The band comprising John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, Zakir Hussain, and Shankar Mahadevan, won the prestigious award for their album This Moment on Sunday (February 4th) night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

During his acceptance speech, Mahadevan gave a shout-out to McLaughlin, who missed the awards ceremony.

“John Mclaughlin is missing today; we miss you, John,” Shankar said. “Thank you boys, and thank you, God, family, friends, and India.”

He added, “Last but not least, I’d like to dedicate the award to my wife, to whom every note of music is dedicated. Love you.”

Many people are celebrating Shakti band members’ big win on social media.

“Through this album, four brilliant Indian musicians win Grammys!!” the three-time Grammy-award winner Ricky Kej wrote on Twitter/X. “Just amazing. India is shining in every direction.”

Indian composer and guitarist Ehsaan Noorani added, “Congratulations on this awesome achievement. Shakti wins the Grammy!!!!”

Chairman of Lokmat Media Vijay Darda wrote: “Heartiest congratulations to Shankar Mahadevan and the band Shakti on winning the Grammy award in the Best Global Music Album category for This Moment.“

This Moment is the third studio album by Shakti, released on June 23, 2023. It is the first release under the Shakti name in 46 years, following 1977’s Natural Elements.

The band will embark on their first tour in 18 years in support of the record.