Saving folk music

Published August 29, 2016

THE cost extracted by violence from all segments of society in Peshawar has been tremendous and unbearably painful. But if there is one area of work that has come under sustained attack, it is that of culture and the performing arts. Artists, musicians and actors here have had their places of work destroyed and their ranks decimated; not only have they come under direct assault, they have also been subjected to threats and intimidation that have driven several of them away from the city. Those still soldiering on traverse a tough terrain. The combination of working in professions that are historically not well paid, with little to no support from the state, and being in the cross hairs of extremists has left many in a pitiful state — with the expected fallout on the traditions they represent. The news, therefore, that senior Pashto folk singers have set up the Music Welfare Society is very welcome. According to Zahir Shah, noted harmonium player and the chief of the MWS, the purpose of the organisation is to preserve musical traditions, train artists and singers, as well as set up a welfare fund that can help colleagues financially, whether aid is required for medical treatment or some other purpose. The MWS expects that some 600 artists, including instrumentalists and singers, will join together under its umbrella — a sizeable number given Peshawar’s demographics — and also plans on organising events that promote Pashto folk music.

Such cooperation and the decision to take collective action is praiseworthy, and it can only be hoped that it does indeed result in tangible improvements in the lot of at least some of the province’s musicians. However, it is worth asking, what on its part is the state or provincial administration doing to similarly keep KP’s culture alive? The Peshawar Arts Council is one of the oldest art institutions in the country, set up for the express purpose of facilitating cultural activities. Surely, it should be taking the lead in matters such as this.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2016

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