<p>The resurrected Shakti band has made a spectacular return, winning the coveted 2024 Grammy for Best Global Music Album with their most recent album, This Moment. This accomplishment is very significant since it is the group’s first album in more than 45 years. John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan are the composers of eight new compositions on the album. Defying fierce opposition from performers such as Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido, Shakti took home the gold at the Grammy Awards. It’s interesting to note that the album, which was published in 2023, took a different turn throughout the recording process since each band member recorded their distinct portions from their hometowns.</p>
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<p><strong>Shakti is who?</strong></p>
<p>Shakti is a cutting-edge fusion group that expertly blends jazz and Indian classical music. The ensemble, which was founded in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin in association with traditional Indian musicians, was instrumental in pushing the frontiers of music beyond Western conventions. The band, which was led by the famed Indian violinist L Shankar, included well-known performers including guitarist Vikku Vinayakram and guitarist Zakir Hussain. Later, V Selvaganesh, the son of percussionist Vikku Vinayakram, joined the group.</p>
<p>As this was going on, the original band members broke up in 1978 to focus on their own two decades of very lucrative solo careers. After a breakup in the late 1990s, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, U Srinivas on mandolin, and Shankar Mahadevan on vocals rejoined John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain in the ensemble. Shakti released a number of well-known and successful albums during this time, including the ground-breaking Shakti in 1976, A Handful of Beauty in 1977, and Natural Elements in 1978.</p>
<p>Shakti celebrated their 50th anniversary last year by going on a huge 27-city tour. Top performers including Jerry Douglas, Bill Frisell, Béla Fleck, and John Scofield served as special solo opening acts for the tour, which included 17 shows in the United States.</p>
<p>In addition to Shakti, Rakesh Chaurasia of India took home two Grammys in 2024: for Global Music Performance and Contemporary Instrumental Album. However, Miley Cyrus accomplished a noteworthy first when she won her first-ever Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance in support of her popular song Flowers. She faced forth against formidable opponents including Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo.</p>
