The fusion musical group Shakti, featuring Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, Ganesh Rajagopalan, V. Selvaganesh, and the late Zakir Hussain, has received two Grammy nominations for the 2026 Awards. The group is nominated for Best Global Music Album for "Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)" and Best Global Music Performance for "Shrini's Dream (Live)". This marks the second time Shakti has been honored by the Grammys, having won their first Grammy for their album, "This Moment," in 2024 in the category of Best Global Music Album.
Shankar Mahadevan has dedicated these nominations to the late Zakir Hussain, who passed away in December 2024. "Zakir (Hussain) saheb is no more, so we are dedicating this album to him," Mahadevan stated. He added, "It's a void that can't be filled. We will miss him a lot".
Shakti was initially formed in 1973 by English guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian violinist L. Shankar, along with percussionists Zakir Hussain and Vikku Vinayakram. The band's unique sound blends Western music, such as Jazz and Celtic folk, with Hindustani and Carnatic music. Shakti disbanded in 1977 but reemerged in 2020. The reformed band released their first album in 46 years, "This Moment," on June 23, 2023.
"Mind Explosion" is a compilation of recordings from 25–30 live concerts across the US and Europe during their 2024 world tour. The album captures the energy of the band's tour, highlighting Hussain's percussive skills, McLaughlin's guitar, Mahadevan's vocals, Selvaganesh's rhythmic contributions, and Rajagopalan's violin. "Shrini's Dream" is a tribute to U. Shrinivas, a former member and mandolin player.
Mahadevan reflected on his journey with Shakti, "He and John McLaughlin founded Shakti 50 years ago, and I joined in 2000. I used to dream of just meeting them, and now I've been part of the band for 25 years, touring, performing, and now leading it; it's truly a blessing". He expressed his excitement about attending the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 1, 2026. "It's a double joy and blessing after Shakti band's 'This Moment' won Grammys last year (Feb 5, 2024). But, with joy at the same time there is a sadness that Zakir bhai is not with us. We will miss him a lot,” he said.
Other Indian artists have also received nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Anoushka Shankar has been nominated for Best Global Music Album for "Chapter III: We Return to Light," and Best Global Music Performance for "Daybreak". Charu Suri received a nomination in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for "Shayan", and Siddhant Bhatia was nominated for "Sounds of Kumbha" in the Best Global Music Album category.
