RAWALPINDI: Folk singers enthralled audience at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) with Sufi, classical and folk music. This was the final performance in a series of events organised under the Independence Day celebrations held at RAC.

Javed Niazi and Babar Niazi, sons of renowned folk singer Tufail Niazi, sang their father’s famous songs. Punjab Council of the Arts Lahore Assistant Director Ghulam Abbas Farasat also performed on the occasion.

Ghulam Abbas Farasat started with an alaap in teen taal with Raag Maigh, followed by some other raags. He then sang a kafi, written by Sufi saint Khawaja Ghulam Fareed, titled Sohne yar bajhon which mesmerised the participants. He also paid tributes to the legendary singer, Mehdi Hassan, by singing his song Ko ba ko phail gayi.Later, the Niazi brothers took the stage and charged the audience with their performances. They paid tributes to their father by singing his evergreen folk song Mahi ve tere wakhan lai.

The brothers received thunderous applause for their performance of Tut gai tarak kar ke. Finally, their performance ended with a renowned folk song Laal meri patt.

Sajjad Ali took on the tabla, Zeeshan Haider was on dhol and Master Majeed played the harmonium. Talking to Dawn, RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed said the council was working on promoting art and culture in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2014