Ustad Shahbaz Hussain

Ustad Shahbaz Hussain (born 24 January 1979) is a tabla virtuoso and an extremely versatile tabla player. He has mastered all the traditional skills.

Early Life and Education

Shahbaz was born in Rochdale, England and was the only son of vocalist Mumtaz Hussain. He received his basic education from him. Later on he became the student of Ustad Fayyaz Khan, Ustad Mian Shaukat Hussain and Ustad Alla Rakha. He is a prominent representative of both the Punjab and Delhi gharana. At the age of 11, Shahbaz played his first concert at the Champness Hall in England.

Career

The maestro has accompanied many legends such as Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Ghulam Ali, Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullu and Ustad Shahid Parvez to name a few. He has received many awards and accolades including the ‘Son of Lahore’ award by the Pakistani Government in 2008 and many others. He is now an active teacher as he teaches at the University of Newcastle and the Mumtaz Hussain Academy.