Remembering a legendary folk singer

The event was held to mark Tufail Niazi’s death anniversary.

To mark the death anniversary of renowned singer Tufail Niazi, a musical evening was organised by Lok Virsa at Shakarparian on Friday, said a press release.

Besides other artists, the event featured a mesmerising performance by the late artist’s sons —  Babar and Javed Niazi — as well as his brother Qurban Niazi. It was attended by notable artists, musicians and friends and family members of the iconic singer.

Born in 1916 in Jalandhar, Tufail Niazi received his early training in classical singing from his father. He rose to fame with his song “Sada Chirian Da Chamba”. He had the honour to sing the first song aired on Pakistan Television (PTV).

Belonging to the Kapurthala music tradition and the lineage of Saeen Ilyas, he had a unique edge over other folk singers. His voice was full of deep pathos and had the quality to describe unbreakable bonds, such as the love between a man and his daughter.

Tufail made his first public appearance as a singer when he was eight. Before the creation of Pakistan, he had the honour to sing at the famous Harbalb festival with leading Indian singers.

After the division of the subcontinent, he moved to Multan and began selling milk and curd until 1949, when a police inspector arranged for him to perform at a concert. Afterwards, he established a theatre and continued singing for Radio Pakistan and PTV. He received the Pride of Performance Award in 1983 and died on Sept 21, 1990.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2012.