“I started playing the chimta when I was five years old. My parents are not into singing or music; my father is a labourer and my mother looks after the home. But they do enjoy my singing. When I was younger, I would be mesmerised by a chimta-player who would come to our village and sing from time to time. It used to fascinate me a lot, so I became his student. He is now my teacher and the source of my inspiration. Our folk music is beautiful; it narrates the stories of common folk and their conversations. One of my favourite kalaam is ‘Mirza Sahiba’. Sometimes, I will stay up all night memorising songs and practicing the chimta. It’s hard, but I divide my time between my music and schoolwork. I look forward to my trips to Islamabad, because I get to participate in the children’s music festival and meet new people.”

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2016