‘Rooh Razi Karan Jamshore Halun’

Abbas Faqeer, a soulful voice hailing from Mithi, Sindh, is one of the modern crusaders of Sindhi classical and folk music

Mithi, a historical town located in the Tharparkar district of Sindh, has produced several renowned personalities in the field of art and music. Performers and musicians like Mai Bhaghi, Fozia Soomro, Sodhal Faqeer, Sadiq Faqeer, Kalu Faqeer, Mai Soni and Rajab Faqeer made their mark in the field of classical and folk singing, going on to become household names in Sindh.

However, in an era where contemporary music is drifting away from classical traditions, singers like Abbas Faqeer still possess the ability to attract young listeners towards folk music through their soulful voices. Alongside Rajab Faqeer and Nazakat Faqeer, Abbas is regarded as one of the modern crusaders of Sindhi classical and folk music. He has established his distinct identity in the field of music within a short span of time by singing poems written by eminent Sindhi poets such as Hassan Dars, Shankar Sagar, Mumtaz Nohriyo and Saindad Sand. Born on April 13, 1994 in Mithi, Abbas is the son of famous musician and vocalist Hussain Bux Faqeer, who had a deep attachment to poetry and music, and was a prominent figure in Sindh during the 1980s.

Abbas remembers his father with great fondness, saying: “My father had a significant command over the science of music, particularly on the vocal nodes as he could sing different genres of music with ease”. When asked about his inclination towards folk singing, he said that it would be impossible for a person to avoid the impact of something they are constantly surrounded by, adding that he saw the big names of the Sindhi music industry meeting his father with utmost respect and reverence from a very young age. This feature of the musicians he encountered early on drew Abbas towards this field.

Talking about the renowned musicians who were mentored by his father, Abbas says: “I always say with immense pride to everyone that singers like Ustad Sadiq Faqeer, Ustad Kareem Faqeer and Piyaro Faqeer learnt the fundamentals of music from my father.” He further adds that singers like Sadiq and Mai paved the way for many young singers like him to enter the orbit of folk music.

“I remained affiliated with Ustad Rajab Faqeer who burnished my skills,” Abbas reveals.

His most famous songs include ‘Sara Thak Lahi Waya,’ ‘Jawani Jiyan Ludi Ahay,’ ‘Piyar ji Pehreen Nazar,’ ‘Hik Gulabi Har Jehri Chokri,’ ‘Hosh Natho Hit Ker Sambhale,’ ‘Chha Budayan Ta Mon Laye Chha Ahin,’ ‘Chha Budayan Ta Mon Laye Chha Ahin,’ ‘Har Jaye Preen Har Mehfil Me,’ ‘Har Jaye Preen Har Mehfil Me,’ ‘Rooh Razi Karan Jamshore Halun,’ and many others.

Answering a question about the role of the Sindh Culture Department when it comes to promoting art and music, Abbas said that for the past few years the culture department had introduced different events to give a platform to the hidden talent of Sindh. Annual festivals at shrines provide a golden opportunity for emerging singers to put their craft on display in front of massive gatherings.

When asked about his favourite singers, Abbas says: “I listen to all legendary singers of the subcontinent, but prominent among those are Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Lata Mangeshkar, Madam Noor Jehan and Hariharan. However, I haven’t kept myself away from modern music, and sometimes I listen to that too.” Abbas has also performed abroad in places like Azerbaijan, Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where he garnered great recognition.

He has been bestowed with the Lok Virsa Award, SAGA Award and various other honours for his contributions in the field of art and music. Shedding light on the importance of folk music, Abbas believes that: “This genre simply purifies our souls and enlightens our feelings for nature”. He hopes that the younger generation will continue to cherish, preserve and uphold the traditions of classical folk music in Sindh. -Ends