Birth anniversary: Musical tributes to Jinnah

Pakistan National Council of the Arts holds a musical evening

ISLAMABAD:

To pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 138th birth anniversary, a musical evening was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts auditorium on Thursday.

Resounding anthems of solidarity, patriotism and hope filled the otherwise sombre air. Musicians from across the country offered lyrical tributes to Jinnah, upholding his dream and ideals for a promising future for the nation. The songs were a combination of folk, mystic and classical tunes, rendered by musicians from different parts of the country.

Tahira Baloch, Rizwana Khan and Samina Khan opened with a lively chorus of “Is parcham ke saye talay”, joined by an ensemble of instrument players.

The accompanying musicians were Muhammad Ayub on R-8, Amjad Ali and Aashiq Hussain on tablas, Jeevay Lal on dholak, Nazakat Hussain on harmonium, Zahid Bitu on keyboard, and Salman Abid on flute.

Baloch, who is from Tharparkar, also performed some songs in Seraki, Sindhi, and Urdu. Rizwana’s performance of “Daachi walaye mordh muhaar” and “Meri zindagi hai naghma” transitioned from high-pitched to a more soft and subtle aura.

Shahid Ali Khan entertained the audience with not only his melodic “Ay watan pyaray watan” but also a series of folk and pop Pashto songs. Exuding energy and vigour, he pulled off some Attan dance moves and engaged the audience with his animated expressions and powerful gestures. His rendition of “Bibi Shireen” won thunderous applause.

Farrukh Mehdi changed the mood towards more sophistication and poise with ghazals, performing Ustaad Mehdi Hassan’s famous ghazals.”

Saeen Khawar Hussain rounded off the evening with a rendition of Punjab Sufi saint and poet Shah Hussain’s verses, “Nadiyon paar” and “Joge Ranjhan.” With his indigenous flair Taj Baleedi, also performed mystic tunes as he danced to folk beats.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2014.