Shahbaz Hussain

Shahbaz Hussain is a renowned and accomplished tabla virtuoso. He is considered one of Europe's finest players, known for his dynamic and intricate performances in Indian classical music and fusion projects. 

First studying under his father, the vocalist Ustad Mumtaz Hussain, he went on to learn from various gurus – the Delhi gharana’s Ustad Faiyaz Khan, and the Punjab gharana’s Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan and Ustad Allah Rakha. He has developed an eclectic, versatile style, leading the fusion group Indus and accompanying touring classical artists. Shahbaz is active as a tabla teacher across the North of England. 

Over the years, he has collaborated with many renowned artists, including Ustad Irshad Khan, Ustad Nishat Khan, Shashwati Mandal Paul, and Debasmita Bhattacharya. His performances are marked by intricate rhythmic mastery and deep musical sensitivity, making him a standout accompanist and soloist who continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic and expressive playing. 

He is a much sought-after accompanist by many of the great master musicians of India & Pakistan, including Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Ustad Rais Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, and ghazal legend Ghulam Ali, to name but a few. Shahbaz regularly travels across the world to present performances, including throughout Europe, North America & the Asian subcontinent. 

He has performed in many prestigious venues, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., Lincoln Centre in New York, and London’s Royal Albert & Queen Elizabeth Halls. He has been associated with KalaSudha for several different concert series and projects. His band, Indus, has received critical acclaim for its debut album, Firefly, and continues to tour the UK & internationally. Shahbaz Hussain is regarded as one of the leading tabla virtuosi of his generation. He has received numerous accolades for his captivating performances, including receiving the prestigious “Son of Lahore” Award from the Government of Pakistan in 2008. Shahbaz is also passionate about passing on the knowledge of tabla to others. He is a dedicated teacher and regularly teaches across the country, including at the University of Newcastle and the University of Huddersfield.