Al Hamra Arts Council brings free live music to Liberty chowk

Alhamra Arts Council brings free live music lessons to liberty chowk on weekends

LAHORE: What’s the first thing that welcomes you to a metro station in, any major European or American cities? How are parks, city centres and other public attractions far livelier in foreign countries as compared to ours? It is indeed the sound of music, the sight of street performers merrily strumming their guitars or singing their songs to entertain passersby, and earning a living in the process. Alhamra Arts Council’s latest initiative is bringing similar street performances to music enthusiasts of the walled city.

For fun and for the love of music, aspiring musicians gather at the Liberty roundabout every Saturday and Sunday evening. They are not alone, as none other than renowned guitarist Ustad Sajjad Tafu joins the crowd, not only to play music but also to give guitar lessons — all this free of charge and open to public. From 6pm to 8pm, the roundabout comes to life with the sound of music and not the unbearable honking of horns. According to Alhamra officials, more musicians, performers and singers will soon join the list to give people for a few hours of unadulterated entertainment.

“It is our agenda to revive all traditions that were once part of our culture,” explained Al Hamra Arts Council Chairman Kamran Lashari.  “We have started this venture hoping that people of Lahore will appreciate it. Such activities are part of all civilised societies and so far we have received an overwhelming response. It is an experiment at the moment, and we surely will expand the programme to other corners and roundabouts of the city.” Lashari further added that the motive behind the venture was simply to entertain music lovers, and that performers will not be using sound systems. The guitar lessons will be interactive, with students learning useful tips and techniques from experienced professionals, he explained.

Tafu was keen on becoming a part of this venture for a number of reasons, “Commercialisation of music has put an end to our traditions and unfortunately this only happened in Pakistan because we are not willing to teach music,” he told The Express Tribune. “I’m hopeful this activity will see youngsters across the city come together for the sake of learning and enjoying music.” He highlighted the fact that in foreign countries, people from every class, creed and socio-economic background participate in such cultural events. Unfortunately in Pakistan, people have stopped recognising and respecting artistic talent. “It was once a common practice for people to invite musicians to festivals and marriage ceremonies, but it’s not happening anymore — not even in the villages.” Tafu also extended his gratitude to Lashari for giving him an opportunity to impart his knowledge, and initiate a movement to revive street performances in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2016.

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