Unknown Facts about Shakti, the 66th Grammy Award Winner

This Moment wins Grammy Award:  As the Grammy Awards 2024 were presented in Los Angeles on Sunday night, India erupted in joy after the ‘This Moment’ album from ‘Shakti’ music band got a prestigious Grammy award this year. Shakti band's song album ‘This Moment’ bagged this award in the category of Global Musical Album. 

‘This Moment’ features eight songs created by the band. Here are some interesting facts about this band.

Almost half a century ago British guitarist John McLaughlin, Indian tabla player Zakir Hussein along with singer Shankar Mahadevan, and TH Vinayakram came  together to start a fusion band called Shakti.

After some successful compositions, the Shakti band was disbanded a few times due to busy schedules of the individuals. But they thoroughly enjoyed working as a team. 

In 2020 Shakti once again reconstituted itself with Shankar Mahadevan as the lead singer, Zakir Hussein as the tabla player, TH Vikku as the ghatam player, and V. Selvaganesh as the kanjira player. Last year this band completed their 50 years anniversary and did a very successful world tour.
The award winning album “this moment”, was not made in a traditional way. To everyone's surprise, the song was recorded in different parts by each member while being at home, due to the hectic schedules. And, their efforts paid off as the album secured a Grammy award for India. 

During an acceptance speech, Shankar Mahadevan said “Thank you, boys!”.

Congrats Best Global Music Album winner - 'This Moment' Shakti. #GRAMMYs 🎶

WATCH NOW https://t.co/OuKk34kvdu pic.twitter.com/N7vXftfaDy

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 4, 2024

Shankar Mahadevan changed his career path after working as a techie and carved a niche for himself in the music industry. He got International recognition with the song Breathless.

TH Vikku Vinayakram, who is already a multiple time Grammy award winner, known for his Ghatam playing skills. TH Vikku is also known as the God of Ghatam

Vinayakram has the credit for the progress and development as well as popularising Ghatam. V Selvaganesh is an Indian percussionist in Carnatic music and leading Kanjira player. He's the son of TH Vinayakram, and he also composed music for the films like Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu, and Pilla Zamindar.

This 50 year old band can be definitely said as one of the greatest of all time. We hope the success will continue for Shakti, and in the process bring many more laurels to the country.

Also Read: 66th Grammy Awards: Shankar Mahadevan says ‘we are proud of you, India’ in acceptance speech