ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE MIAMI MEDIA BLOG
In order to fully understand the timeless impact of legendary music gurus and ustads of Pakistan, we will take a close look at the younger generation they helped inspire with their songs.
Many established singers started their careers in the footsteps of their idols and role models. The eastern music legacy is deeply rooted in apprenticeship, mentoring and teaching techniques. These guides and teachers are not only educationists but often spiritual guides for aspiring musicians as well. The techniques for classical vocal training are not as simple as notation but work by gaining familiarity with your own patterns of breathing which are individualistic and unique to each set of lungs. The journey to finding your own vocal expression is a core value of singing. The emotionally moving quality of sympathetic notes, also called sympathetic resonance, is a mystical concept to eastern music. Instruments from our region are uniquely built to amplify these micro notes that create layers of acoustic sounds that feel transcendental and celestial. The healing powers of Ghazal, Qawali and other forms of the sacred song have been a part of Pakistani tradition practised and celebrated by each stratum of our society.
This return to a centuries-old art training program would seem outlandish as there had been technological advancements that allow users to buy sound equipment that can manipulate, synthesize and control frequencies of sound to create emotional ambient soundscapes. However, as with many classical purist approaches, learning the technique takes years and there is no shortcut or hack to learn classical singing that has centuries-old scholastic and meditative schooling.
The leading poets of the time were a source of inspiration for singers and amplified their message to reach the far corners of the country. Movements of cultural rebellion and activism were also created through anthems ``Hum Dekhenge" by the poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Iqbal Bano delivered powerful performances throughout her career. She was born in India and trained in the Dilli Gharana by the legendary Ustad Chand Khan. In a historical protest against the jailing of Faiz Ahmad Faiz by General Zia-ul Haq, she sang "Hum Dekhenge '' (We shall witness) at the Lahore stadium that had 50,000 people in attendance.
Ali Sethi sought the tutelage of Farida Khanun in 2012 and had been formally trained under the Naseeruddin Saami of the Delhi Gharana since 2008. Returning to the writing of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sethi sang “Dil Ki Khair '' and “Gulon Mein Rang” which are soulful reinterpretations delivered in his own singing expression.
Qawwali has its origins in the 12th-century era, with the Sufi saint Hazratja Khawaja Moin-Ud-Din Chishti bringing the teachings of Islam to India. The Qawali troupe is made up of a lead singer, one or two secondary singers and musicians, and a group of clapping junior members. There is a system in place to mentor, learn and contribute to the group ascending in rank and experience. We have witnessed breakthrough performances by younger artists of historically relevant songs that instantly reconnect us with our country’s iconic eras of music.
Under the apprenticeship of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, we saw the rise of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is a superstar with great success in Pakistan and has been widely touring international venues. Qawali is still practised and has become synonymous with Pakistani music and tradition.
The Sabri Brothers Tajdar-E-Haram was immensely popular in the 90s revisited by Atif Aslam for Coke Studio making it a superhit with over 316,987,197 views. The powerful voice of Abida Parveen has inspired men and women to explore sacred music and push themselves to achieve the experience of notations in Kalam to reach a higher state of consciousness. She has collaborated with younger musicians and singers such as Ali Sethi, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sami Yusuf. The practice of traditional Sufi and classical music has been carried from the previous generation to the next but the lack of funding, resources and training institutions have made it difficult to learn for aspiring singers. Pakistan is in need of a music revolution that creates spaces, platforms and schooling for traditional arts.
Mentorship and guild based art practices are dying out in the new age of remote interactions, and as digital music makes the creation more accessible to a larger pool of creators, the emphasis on why to create music is being replaced with How to create. There is a merging of the old and new world where technology and ancestral eastern music practice can be woven in a holistic and world music perspective.
These legendary musicians have promoted Pakistani music all over the world and spread joy and positivity through their songs. Investing in extra-curricular programs for schools, music venues and spaces that are safe and inclusive, supporting the dying arts of traditional singing mentors can help preserve our historical musical traditions and create peaceful communities. The future of Ghazal and Qawwali needs to be preserved by not only social agencies in both official and private capacities but also consumed as a celebration of Pakistani identity.
National Songs and Anthems have inspired youth to mobilise and become organised for social causes in the past and have an important role to play in shaping thinking and outlook towards the future. Spending time learning how to sing has also been proven to be a therapeutic and healing practice for the self. Our music is steeped in rich spiritual traditions and is a source of joy that can become an important part of education at schools offering students the chance to gain confidence and creative expression. These spaces can bring together a diverse set of people giving opportunities for musicians to network and build supportive circles to sustain their practice. Without the help of government and private agencies, musicians will not be able to support their craft and legacy. These reflections are in hopes to create dialogue around creating and supporting organisations that aim to mend the broken ecosystem of the music industry.
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