MUMBAI: As a tribute to Ustad Alla Rakha, son and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain hosted an event on 3 February at Shanmukhananda Auditorium, Mumbai, which was attended by artistes from all across the globe.

To mark `Abbaji` (fondly called by loved ones) seventh Barsi, UAIM students kicked off with the Tabla Pranam , which was followed by performances from ace guitarist John McLaughin and eminent vocalist Ajoy Chakraborty, informs an official release.

The Afternoon session featured Shri Kadai Kudi Mani (Mridangam), Shri Rama Kishen & Khete khan (Nagada and Khartal), Fazal Qureshi (tabla) and Eric Harland (Drums) performing Taal Tapsya

With the Grand Finale for the evening saw Utsad Zakir Hussain, accompanied by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, saxophonist George Brooks and pianist Louis Banks, played a special composition "Abbaji" as a tribute to Utsad Alla Rakha, who carved a niche for the tabla in Hindustani classical music.

Ustad Zakir Hussain, proudly says, "wherever and whenever Tabla is played, Ustad Allakha will be remembered.

For all the past years, the great like Smt. Kishori Amonkar, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Ustad Sultan Khan, Kishen Maharaj, Shri Trilok Gutru, Shri Vikku Vinayakram, Pt. Swapan Khan and others have paid their musical tribute to Abbaji. Amongst the international artist that graced the occasion were Remember Shakti, Tabla Beat Science, Terry Bozio, Abboss Kosimov, Steve Smith, Sikiru Adepojo, Leonard Eto, Giovannt Hidalgo, George Brooks and others.

`The Event was organized by Ustad Allarakha Institute of Music and co- presented by Taj Mahal Tea & HSBC Bank. The Orchid was the official host for all these artistes who performed for "Homage to Abbaji"