PESHAWAR: Young folk artist Sajid Khan is optimistic about bright future of traditional Pashto music despite promotion of social media and has advised singers to use modern digital gadgets for marketing of their talent.

In a chat with this scribe at his office in Peshawar’s Kabari Bazaar, he dwelt upon his music career and said that his family shifted from Orakzai tribal district way back in 1975 and his father and two brothers had been in the field since long.

Mr Khan said that most young artists learnt the use of social media and many of them launched YouTube channels and were earning enough amount. He said that he had been to Dubai, Qatar and Afghanistan to perform live.

He said that he learnt delicacies of music from father Sherbadeen, a noted harmonium player, and also from Bagh Ali Ustad and AR Anwar.

Sajid Khan advises artists to use modern digital gadgets for marketing their talent

“Live performance is a real challenge for most young artists because they depend on electronic appliances. Using modern tools is essential but the flavour of live music cannot be replaced. I expect that young folk singers, who have learnt using social media, will fetch both name and fame but I would recommend that receiving training in traditional music should be a priority,” said Mr Khan.

The artist said that he had his own band with traditional Pashto orchestra including harmonium, tabla, rabab and flute but he also hired players of keyboard, saxophone and baglama because most audience loved live performance.

Talking about the quality poetry, he stated that he always picked up Pashto poets, whose poetry carried substance and a clear message. He said that Khial Mohammad had been his ideal since early age.

“I have sung poetry of Rahmat Shah Sail, Khatir Afridi, Hamza Baba and Ghani Khan. I perform at wedding ceremonies where most people love folk songs. I am a music snob by birth and I always try to sing quality poetry. I have an encouraging response from my fans,” said the artist.

Mr Khan said that although it was age of digital singers, yet traditional music would never die because of its strong appeal and strength. He said that he still took classes with music maestros like Nazeer Gul Ustad and Master Ali Haider.

“The culture director should open a music street where young folk singers can learn traditional music and use of modern tools,” he said.

The artist urged young folk singers to pick up quality Pashto poetry as quality music went with quality stuff. He added that great folk singers would continue to inspire audience because they had worked and learnt from perfect masters.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2019