Shakti, the jazz fusion band formed in 1973 by Indian violinist L Shankar, percussionists Zakir Hussain, and Vikku Vinayakram, along with English guitarist John McLaughlin, known for collaborating with Miles Davis, received the Grammy for Global Music Album. They were awarded for “This Moment,” their first studio release in 46 years. The group, celebrated for blending jazz and Indian music, particularly Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, released the albums “A Handful of Beauty” and “Natural Elements” in 1976 and 1977.

In June, the band released “This Moment,” their first studio album since 1977. The record includes founding members McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain, along with vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, son of Vikku. Shakti secured the Global Music Album award amidst tough competition, with contenders like Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Davido, the multicultural band Bokante, and Peruvian singer-songwriter Susana Baca.

“Thank you boys and thank you god, family, friends and India. We are proud of you India. Last but not least, I’d like to dedicate this award to my wife whom every note of my music is dedicated to,” Mahadevan said, in his acceptance speech.

John McLaughlin, he noted, could not attend the ceremony. “We miss you, John-ji,” he said. “And Zakir Hussain, he just had another Grammy win.”

Zakir was one of the big winners at the 2024 Grammys, picking up three awards. The composer and tabla player won the Contemporary Instrumental Album category for As We Speak, work he created alongside Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia. Their song Pashto also won the Best Global Music Performance Grammy.

Listen to the album on Spotify.