Amjad Farid Sabri (1970-2016) has been remembered in many ways — the rockstar of qawwali, a preacher of peace, love and humanity, and last of all, the son of the famous qawwal Ghulam Farid Sabri.

The showbiz and fashion fraternity is just as shocked by Amjad Sabri’s untimely death as the rest of us. Here we speak to some of them who have not been as vocal with their outpouring of grief on the media.

Ahsan Khan

“I knew Amjad Sabri for more than four years because of Ramzan transmissions and Eid shows. He was one of the most humble, sweet and harmless of souls. His death is heartbreaking. When something like this happens to good people; you don’t feel like staying in this country anymore; things are never going to be alright it seems. The kind of respect Amjad Sabri earned over a period of time, and even after his demise, is phenomenal. We as a nation need to get together to fight the odds and defend ourselves and our families. Salute to Amjad sahib.”

Ather Viqar Azeem

“We were recently deprived of a man who was endowed with many gifts, some that were known to all and some aspects that people closer to him had seen in him. Amjad Sabri, God rest his soul, was by nature an extremely congenial man blessed with a big heart. There was the innocent spirit of a child within this giant of a man which came to the fore during his interactions with the kids in his neighbourhood. He was at the same time equally comfortable in the company of adults, be they scholars, media personalities or musicians. His personality and charisma was such that his music and his popularity transcended all genres and he had a massive following. A man of many interests and talents, a lot of people may not know that Amjad was an avid cricket lover and was also an off spinner of note.

“I will miss him for his voice, his generosity, his ebullient spirit and most of all, his ever-present smile. Amjad Sabri went too soon, but in the short time he was here he ensured it wasn’t the days in his life that counted but the life in his days. Goodbye, my friend.”

Ashir Azeem

“I did not know him personally but I am shocked at his senseless murder. The most difficult thing in coming to terms with this murder is that is it is completely senseless. One can deal with anything if there is some logic, some pattern, no matter how perverted.“This is also the most frightening aspect. If the murder is so completely random, it could happen to anyone.”

“There was a brief interlude during the LSA rehearsals last year when Amjad Sabri took to the stage. Suddenly the entire Expo stood still as he launched into Tajdar-i-Haram.” — Fareshteh Aslam

Frieha Altaf

“Amjad bhai was a great friend, great company and a helping hand whenever needed. I still remember what he did at last years’ Lux Style Awards; it was phenomenal. No one is left to take his legacy forward. The way our artists are being gunned down or not being taken care of when needed; it is really hard to see our culture and heritage surviving. We need more institutions to promote our culture and heritage. The sad demise of Amjad bhai must not go in vain. Something needs to be done by the security agencies and the government. He will be missed.”

Hasan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY)

“I didn’t have an opportunity to meet or have a word with him face to face. But as far as my family is concerned; Amjad Sabri was their favourite qawwal. It is extremely sad to see such people who’ve kept the culture and heritage alive pass away in such a shocking manner. May his soul rest in peace.

“The culture and heritage of Pakistan is fading gradually with the demise of such people. The future of an artist isn’t secure. The past examples of retired artists aren’t motivating either. Artists suffer, their families suffer. More institutions are required to keep the culture alive. More appreciation is required for people to be interested in art. The sad demise of Amjad Sabri reminds me of a verse sung by Abida Parveen: Dhundho gay agar mulko’n mulko’n; Milne ke nahin, nayab hain hum …”

Hasan Rizvi

Amjad bhai was an inspirational soul. He once showed me a dance move on set and told me ‘be true to your talent and it will be true to you’. His words have been echoing in my head ever since I learned about his death.  Great people say amazing things unknowingly and effect people like us deeply. Amjad bhai has brought so much happiness and togetherness to Pakistan.  He’s made this country proud. I only wish I had the chance to say it to him. May Allah bless his soul and give his family the strength to bear this tragedy. Ameen.”

Abbas Jafri

“The loss of Amjad Sabri is felt deeply throughout the world, especially in the artists’/performers’ fraternity. He was killed in cold blood for spreading messages of love and harmony. His music transcended all boundaries of race, religion and creed and united people under the banner of humanity.“I was close to Amjad bhai; we bonded over cricket. It seems like yesterday when he told me, ‘Abbas mian aaj celebrity cricket match mein run banane hain aap ne’.

“They may have attacked his physical presence, but they will never be able to erase his legacy. His talent and music will be both remembered and celebrated by generations.”

Rezz Aly Shah

“Shocking to see another voice of peace and love, music and Sufism forcibly silenced. Life here has become so unpredictable.”

Nuscie Jamil

“The murder of Amjad Sabri has devastated the country. The world has lost an artist who practiced with great devotion the centuries old kalam of Sufis and saints. In keeping with an age old tradition, Amjad Sabri passed on the message to the younger generation.

“What kind of a mindset murders a voice that only sings praise of Allah and Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him). The love with which Karachi held Amjad Sabri’s janaza, reflects the sentiments of Pakistan and Muslims, as well as people of all faiths across the globe. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Fareshteh Aslam

“There was a brief interlude during the rehearsals of the Lux Style Awards last year when Amjad Sabri took to the stage. Suddenly the entire Expo stood still as he launched into Tajdar-i-Haram. Backstage emptied. The workers put down their tools. Other artists stopped and all absorbed the sheer majesty and grandeur of his soaring vocals. RIP, Amjad bhai. You will always be in our hearts and minds and your music shall live on.”

Yasir Shoro

“Amjad Sabri has departed from this materialistic world but he leaves behind his legacy and his voice for generations to cherish. In the years to come, qawwali will be synonymous with Amjad Sabri.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, July 3rd, 2016