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For followers of classical Indian music, Hussain is recognized as an international phenomenon in the field of percussion and in the music world at large.

Born into a musical family, Hussain is the son of famed tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. Hussain's musical ability was evident early on in his young life and by age 12, the musical virtuoso was already touring with some of India's most prominent musicians. In the early 1970s, Hussain decided to travel to the United States, embarking on an international career that now spans four decades and generally consists of no fewer than 150 concert dates a year.

Although Hussain has worked with many Indian artists, in North America he is known primarily for his many works of fusion, which connects Western music with the traditions of the East. His art has attached him to the careers of many acclaimed rock performers, the most notable of which is perhaps The Beatles.

In 1975, Hussain teamed with legendary guitarist John McLaughlin and musician L. Shankar to form Shakti, one of the world's first fusion super groups. Although Shakti was disbanded a few years later, it reunited under the name Remember Shakti and continues to perform periodically. Asked about the impact of Shakti on modern music, Hussain reveals his pride in the group's willingness to create through innovation.

"Indian musicians became much more open after Shakti toward the idea of trying things not only within the realms of Indian music but by stepping out of Indian music and into any traditions they felt comfortable with," Hussain said. "Shakti was one of the first combinations of musicians trying to do something that crossed all musical boundaries. We were very young at that time and had no qualms about trying different things. We just sat down and played and did whatever was necessary to make it work musically and be fun. It was something unique at that time."

In 1987, Hussain's first solo release, Making Music, was acclaimed as one of the most inspired east-west fusion albums ever recorded. In 1988, he became the youngest percussionist ever to be awarded the title of Padma Shri. This award is given by the government of India to Indian citizens in order to recognize their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts. (The word "Padma" (Sanskrit) means Lotus.) In 1990, he was awarded the Indo-American Award in recognition of his cultural contribution to relations between the United States and India. In April 1991, he was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the president of India, making him one of the youngest musicians to receive this recognition from India's governing cultural institute.

In 1992, Hussain founded Moment! Records, which features original collaborations in the field of contemporary world music, as well as live concert performances by great masters of the classical music of India. Moment Records' 2006 release Golden Strings of the Sarode was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional World Music category for that year.

The opportunity to hear the world-renowned talent of Zakir Hussain is a rare chance that should not be missed. Visit www.roythompsonhall.com for scheduling and ticket sales for this concert.

Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College and UOIT. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.