PESHAWAR: Two young rising amateur artists have shown determination to promote Pashto folk music with their fusion experiments and innovative style in expression.

Wajid Layaq, a graduate in agriculture engineering but born with flail for singing, grew up with strong passion of music. He recently brought out an album ‘Tora Shpa’ (black night), which shot him to fame.

“Experimenting with music is inevitable for making new skyways to folk fame,” he said.

A music competition titled ‘Folk Music Carnival’ held in Peshawar some years ago proved a launching pad for him and he initiated serious efforts to learn basics of instrumental music online along with singing. After completion of his graduation, he was able to do experiment of fusion, combination of western music with local tunes, which earned him a widespread fame on social media.

Both Bilawal and Wajid shot to fame through social media

“Atif Aslam and Haroon Bacha are my ideal music icons. My maiden attempts were singing Ghani Khan, Sahib Shah Sabir and my poet father Layaqzada Layaq but my album contains Pashto poetry of Dr Kazim Niaz with English subtitles. It received stunning appreciation,” he stated.

Wajid Layaq said that he would continue contributing to Pashto folk music. He said that internet provided a wonderful platform to music enthusiasts. He added that young music buffs should come up with innovative ideas to enrich Pashto folk music charts.

“All my productions have earned fans viewership in over thousands which encouraged me and my music band to explore further symphonies that could sweeten ears of the audience online but local flavour must be there with a modern touch,” he said.

Bilawal Sayed is another young music proponent. He graduated in material engineering. He is fast rising to top music chart online due to his weird compositions. Most fans, especially young buffs, are rating him among the best because of his innovative style and strong passion.

Presently staying in Germany in connection with his advanced studies, Bilawal Sayed told this scribe that singing numbers of Ghani Khan, Sahib Shah Sabir and other progressive Pashto poets catapulted him to online popularity.

“Pashtun audience gave serious attention to my experiments with folk music. Music is my passion. I have strong desire to promote Pashto folk music to reclaim peace as identity of land and people,” he said.

He stated that despite hectic study routine, he would devote his strength to contribute to Pashto folk music.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2022