LAHORE: Mansoor Malangi, the great Seraiki voice which sang ‘Ik Phul Motia da Mar ke Jaga Sohnie’ died of a heart attack in his native town of Garh Mor in Jhang district. He was 66.

Wasif Malangi, one of his several disciples, told Dawn late on Wednesday the legendary singer had high blood pressure in the evening and was taken to a nearby clinic where he suffered a fatal heart attack and died instantly.

Hailing from a small peasant family of Garh Mor, Malangi began his singing career from the Radio Pakistan, Lahore, in 1965. He soon rose to fame because of his unique voice and style. In the late 70s, his folk song ‘Ik Phul Motia da Mar ke Jaga Sohnie’ became an instant hit across Pakistan. His other songs ‘Kala Til Mahi da’, ‘Balocha Zalman’, Kehri Ghalti Hoi ai Zalim’, ‘Khan Ghara De’ etc have retained popularity for decades. He sang the kafis of Sufi poet Khawja Ghulam Farid, which included ‘Akh Phurkandi aey’, ‘Guzar Gaya Din Sara’, ‘Ronday Urmr Nibhai’, and ‘Wich Rohi De’.

According to Wasif, Malangi released more than 200 audio albums. The government awarded him the presidential pride of performance besides several cultural and national PTV awards for his services to promote Seraiki folk music. He performed all over the world.

He is survived by 11 sons, nine daughters and three widows besides countless fans across the world.

His funeral prayers will be held in Garh Mor at 2pm on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2014