In early 2026, Asian Arts Agency proudly commissioned Shradhanjali, a one-of-a-kind musical tribute celebrating the life and legacy of the late Ustad Zakir Hussain—one of the greatest musicians of our time. His passing in 2024 was felt across the world, leaving an immeasurable legacy that continues to shape generations of artists and audiences alike.

Asian Arts Agency commissions ambitious new work that celebrates cultural heritage, supports artists and brings extraordinary live experiences to audiences across the UK.

Having had the privilege of working with Zakir ji over many years, this commission was deeply personal. It was an opportunity to honour not only an extraordinary musician, but a generous collaborator, mentor and creative force whose influence transcended musical traditions and international boundaries.

Conceived through conversations between Asian Arts Agency Director Jaswinder Singh and the visionary artist Talvin Singh OBE, Shradhanjali brought together an exceptional collective of musicians for an evening of reflection, remembrance and musical exploration. Rather than recreating the past, the performance embodied the spirit of Zakir ji’s artistry—celebrating improvisation, collaboration and the joy of creating music together.

The evening opened with reflections from Jaswinder Singh, remembering an artist whose talent comes along only once in a lifetime. We were also honoured to welcome Zakir Hussain’s brother-in-law, Mr. Ayub, who joined Talvin Singh on stage to share personal memories and celebrate the remarkable life behind the music.

The first half featured an intimate improvised dialogue between Talvin Singh on tabla and Thomas Rogerson on piano. Delicate, immersive and deeply moving, their performance captured the openness and curiosity that defined Zakir ji’s musical approach.

In the second half, Talvin Singh was joined by internationally acclaimed drummer Marcus Gilmore, Anantha R. Krishnan on mridangam and Satin Singh on Latin percussion. Together, they created an exhilarating performance that celebrated rhythm, improvisation and musical conversation—the universal language that Zakir Hussain championed throughout his life.

The evening concluded with a standing ovation, reflecting the profound connection between the artists, the audience and the enduring legacy of a musician whose work continues to inspire people across the world.

Why This Commission Matters

At Asian Arts Agency, we believe commissioning new work is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate artistic heritage while shaping the future.

Projects like Shradhanjali are ambitious. They require vision, partnership and investment, and they often carry creative and financial risk. Yet they are essential. They create opportunities for artists to collaborate between traditions, preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage, and offer audiences unique experiences that would not exist otherwise.

As an arts charity, this is at the heart of what we do. We commission new work because we believe culture should be living, evolving and accessible. We invest in artists because we know their work has the power to connect communities, spark dialogue and inspire future generations. We fundraise in order to make these pieces happen.

We are incredibly proud to have commissioned Shradhanjali as part of our third year of festival partnership with Southbank Centre, helping to bring this remarkable tribute to life.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Zakir ji’s family, Talvin Singh and the extraordinary musicians who shared their artistry so generously, our partners at Southbank Centre, our supporters and funders, our dedicated team, and everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening.

Together, we honoured an extraordinary life through the universal language of music—and reaffirmed why supporting bold artistic ambition continues to matter.

Help Us Create the Next Extraordinary Moment

Shradhanjali was only possible because of the generosity of our supporters, partners and funders.

Every donation to Asian Arts Agency helps us commission bold new work, nurture artists, celebrate cultural heritage and bring world-class performances to audiences across the UK. It enables us to take creative risks, support emerging talent alongside internationally renowned artists, and create experiences that inspire, connect and leave a lasting legacy.

If you believe in the power of the arts to bring people together, preserve culture and spark new conversations, we’d love you to be part of our journey.

Support our work today and help us commission the next generation of unforgettable artistic experiences.