Adnan Sami Calls Out Grammys For Not Honouring Zakir Hussain, Says “Shame On You”

The 2025 Grammy Awards, held on Monday morning, featured an emotional In Memoriam segment, honoring musicians who passed away in the past year. However, the absence of Indian tabla legend Zakir Hussain from this tribute has sparked outrage among music enthusiasts, including singer Adnan Sami. The singer took to his social media account and called out The Grammys for purposely ignoring Zakir Hussain from the segment.

Adnan Sami Reacts To Zakir Hussain Grammy Snub

Adnan Sami took to Instagram to voice his frustration over the exclusion. He strongly criticized the Recording Academy for failing to acknowledge Hussain, who was not only a globally respected percussionist but also a four-time Grammy Award winner. Sharing an image of the late maestro playing the tabla, Sami emphasized that such an omission was inexcusable, given Hussain’s immense contributions to the world of music.

The tribute segment at the Grammys featured a moving performance by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of All My Love to honor the lives of musicians lost over the past year. While many renowned artists were remembered during the segment, the absence of Zakir Hussain’s name stood out, particularly to Indian audiences who viewed him as an iconic figure in classical and world music.

Who Is Zakir Hussain?

Zakir Hussain, a pioneer in bringing Indian percussion to global platforms, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco on December 16, 2024, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His influence extended far beyond his own performances, he was an educator, mentor, and cultural ambassador who inspired countless musicians worldwide. His family, in an official statement following his passing, highlighted his commitment to nurturing future generations of artists and leaving behind a legacy unmatched in the world of music.

Also Read: Did You Know Late Musician Zakir Hussain Had Two Daughters And A Granddaughter? Know More About His Family!

Given Zakir Hussain’s towering contributions to the industry and his multiple Grammy wins, many believe the Recording Academy’s failure to recognize him during the ceremony was a major oversight. The backlash from Indian music lovers and fellow artists underscores the significance of his work and the disappointment surrounding the omission. As discussions around this exclusion gain momentum, it raises broader questions about the representation and acknowledgment of non-Western musicians on global stages like the Grammys.

Also Read: Who Is Zakir Hussain’s Wife Antonia Minnecola? All You Need To Know!