Young tabla players in Kerala honor Ustad Zakir Hussain's lasting influence

Young tabla players in Kerala are mourning the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a legendary percussionist who inspired many to pursue their craft. His mastery of simple compositions and innovative techniques influenced their musical journeys. Musicians like Shaheen P. Nazer and Ravi Venugopalan recall personal interactions with Hussain, highlighting his ability to challenge and motivate them. They emphasize his down-to-earth nature and the impact of his performances on their careers. Ajmal Raheem notes that Hussain's efforts to globalize the tabla have encouraged new experiments in the genre. Despite the rise of electronic music, the tabla remains significant, thanks to Hussain's contributions to its popularity.