Timeless melodies: Tappa contest in DI Khan draws 150 participants
In the Pashto category, Attaur Rehman won the first prize and received Rs100,000. ILLUSTRATION: JAMAL KHURSHID
Around 150 participants sang tappa at a music contest, Ya Qurban, held at Community Hall, DI Khan on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Culture, the event aimed to revive folk music and give exposure to singers who have largely remained behind the scene.
“This is the fifth in the series of the ‘Ya Qurban’ competition,” read the document.
As per the statement, the completion was held in two languages – Pashto and Seraiki.
“In the Pashto category, Attaur Rehman won the first prize and received Rs100,000,” stated the document. “The second prize of Rs75,000 was given to Rehmatullah Khan while the third prize of Rs50,000 was given to Sabir Hussain.”
Meanwhile, Muhammad Basit won the first prize for his performance in Seraiki and won Rs100,000.
“The second prize of Rs75,000 was given to Aamir Abbas,” read the statement, “Meanwhile, the third prize of Rs50,000 was given to Muhammad Iqbal.”
As per the rules of the contest, three top singers will participate in the final competition held in Peshawar.
A large number of people who attended the programme said it was a suitable initiative to encourage young people to listen to folk music.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2015.