Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s greatest musician from India, comes to Tampa Thursday night to perform Masters of Percussion with his clan of world-renowned drummers. We had the chance to chat with Zakir and ask him a few questions — both about him, and his show.
Masters of Percussion$22.50-$65.50. April 7, 7:30 p.m. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 813-229-STAR. straz.org
What did it take to become the child prodigy who toured by the time you were 12?
You know, Kelly, it’s not a phenomenon to be good at something as a kid. I believe that you have to be born with a certain mix of genes and DNA to become what you’re really meant to be in life. An advantage for me is that my father was a drummer. In India, when you’re born into a poor family, someone occupies every space in your home, and as a baby you are subjected to the daily routine of the house. At my house, it was the sound of drums constantly playing. That being said, I began playing at age three, was on stage by seven, and here we are many moons later and we’re still in love.
Tell our readers about Masters of Percussion and the instruments and performers in the show.
I was touring with my father and it was him who suggested that I introduce new types of drumming to the world. In 1996, I found other drummers in India and brought them together to tour. The first tour went alright, but in 1998 the second tour really took off and we became almost a brand. Now we go on tour every other year. Right now I’m working on bringing in new drummers who are younger. I want a combination of masters and future masters of drumming. For instruments in the show, we have three drums that are new with different sonic ranges and repertoire. Mine is a two-piece drum, and its different traditions coming together harmoniously.
How has the show changed over the years?
I’ve slowly started to introduce non-Indian drummers. You may know Steve Smith from the rock group Journey has performed with us as well as a Japanese drum master — we have a Puerto Rican master as well. By doing this I get to learn and expand and grow as a drummer and that’s what really keeps my love for it fresh.
Zakir, with all your fame and success, do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
I know that everyone has heard this before, but you really have to love what you do. For me, this is not a chore, it is something I look forward to and enjoy. You know, it puts me in a state of ecstasy. Don’t consider it work. You must use the art, in my case it is percussion, as a mode of transmission.
Do you have any last words for readers about the upcoming show in Thursday?
Come and take a little vacation. Let the music take you somewhere new. And please know that you won’t just be coming to see me, but all the other very talented drummers too. Come with an open mind and prepare to be transported.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 6, 2016.