Zakir Hussein: The Connection Between World Music And Mental Health

With the death of music legend Zakir Hussein in December 2024, music lovers around the world are reminded of this artist’s contributions to world music. As a master of the Indian tabla, Hussein introduced millions of people around the world to Indian classical music. Below, explore Zakir Hussein’s musical contributions and the connection between world music, mindfulness, and mental health. 

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Zakir Hussein’s origins in India

Zakir Hussein’s jazz and world music collaborations with Charles Lloyd, John McLaughlin, and other musicians

Over the course of his career, Hussein collaborated with numerous artists across several genres. For example, Hussein played with guitarist John McLaughlin in the band Shakti. The band also consisted of Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and V. Selvaganesh. 

Hussein also collaborated with famous jazz musician Charles Lloyd. Together with Eric Harland, they released an album titled Sangam, a live world music recording created in Santa Barbara at the Lobero Theatre. Zakir Hussein was also in a band called Tabla Beat Science. The band was formed in 1999 and included Bill Laswell, Trilok Gurtu, Talvin Singh, Ustad Sultan Khan, Fabian Asultany, Karsh Kaly, and DJ Disk.  

Awards and accolades

In 1990, Zakir Hussein was given the Indo-American Award for his outstanding cultural contribution to relations between India and the United States. That same year, the president of India awarded him the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He was one of the youngest musicians to be given this accolade by the Sangeet Natak Academy, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.  

In 1991, Zakir Hussein collaborated on the album Planet Drum with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and various other drummers around the world. Vikku Vinayakram, also from India, was among the musicians invited to participate. This world-beat album went on to win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. 

In 1999, First Lady Clinton presented him with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States’ honor for a master in the traditional arts. Years later, to mark the 15th anniversary of Planet Drum, Hussain, Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo came together for the Global Drum Project, which was both a tour and an album name. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009. 

In 2023, Zakir Hussein topped the percussion category in the 71st annual DownBeat critics poll. He also served as an Indian music advisor for the Malayalam film Vanaprastham. Vanaprastham was a Cannes Film Festival entry in 1999 and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival. Finally, Zakir played at the White House for the Obamas during the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert in 2016.

Rhythm and mindfulness

For many people, Zakir Hussein’s music transcended mere sound. Hussein himself saw music as an act of prayer or meditation without forcing it on his audience. He once stated, “It’s my meditation, but it’s not an imposition on the audience,” he says. “I’m not asking them to pray; I’m not asking them to close their eyes and meditate.” 

Hussein enjoyed improvising with fellow musicians to create a truly unique experience for the audience. He stated, “We hope that when we start playing, and the audience is there with us, there might be a moment or two of magic: a moment when the spirits are united, when there’s a confluence of all the elements in the hall, and we rise to a different level of understanding and a revelation that heightens our joy, our happiness and that moment of unified ecstasy.”

While Hussein didn’t force meditation on his listeners, his music may inspire some people to engage in a type of mindfulness meditation that enhances their emotional well-being and mental health. 

Mental health care and mindfulness

Individuals who are experiencing a mental health condition or who want to cultivate more mindfulness may benefit from talking to a licensed mental health professional. A therapist may be able to help with any underlying mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Therapists may also be able to recommend specific mindfulness or meditation practices. Some of these practices may be enhanced with rhythmic world music or any other type of music that people find conducive to mindfulness. 

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Alternatives to in-person therapy

Some people might live in an area with few licensed mental health professionals or few people trained in mindfulness meditation. In these cases, professional help is still available through online therapy. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, individuals can speak with a therapist via phone, videoconferencing, or live chat at a time that works for them. Online therapy also tends to be more affordable than in-office therapy without insurance.  

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown online therapy to be effective for several mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Also, online therapy isn’t just for people living with a mental illness. In some studies, online mindfulness interventions are effective in relieving stress.