Labour of love: Remembering Waziristan’s ultimate entertainer

Zafarkai sang, acted, danced amid growing surge of militancy

DI KHAN: At a time when the stage was set for war and militancy in Waziristan, Zafar Khan, better known as Zafarkai, took to another stage and proved his acting prowess through theatre. His death in April 2014 left a piercing void.

Zafarkai was the proverbial jack of all trades. He was a singer, storyteller, attan dancer and huntsman. His mantra was to entertain and enthrall audiences in Wana. The actor was reluctant to set limits for himself as he did not want to fritter away his talent on specific projects that assigned him to a particular category.

He did not believe in acting in television plays and films as he enjoyed performing without being bound by constraints of technology. He climbed into the skin of every character he played and invariably delivered a spellbinding performance.

According to his family and friends, Zafarkai used to play sarinda, a musical instrument. He sang ghyriwall tappay and folk songs. On most occasions, Zafarkai also wrote tappay.

“He was everyone’s favourite as his presence always made a Pukhtun hujra or gathering thoroughly enjoyable,” a local said.

Symbol of pride 

Aziz Wazir, a friend of Zafarkai, told The Express Tribune, “He was a religious man and took part in all rituals. Zafarkai was also extremely funny and everyone truly respected him.”

Brimming with zeal and energy, the passionate actor continued to perform in the district. He did not depend on acting to scrape a living and never demanded any money for his shows and performances.

Zafarkai used to drive a passenger bus from Wana to DI Khan and subsequently focused on cultivating his own land to earn an income.

According to his friends, Zafarkai’s theatrical work was so captivating that he was invited to perform in the Middle East.

International recognition of his work came even before his community appreciated his art. Although locals enjoyed his performances, extremism in Waziristan served as a major impediment to his fame and acknowledgment.

Music and singing were once inherent aspects of Waziristan culture. In the past, they formed an integral part of daily life and many tribal elders used to dabble in music and dance. During these halcyon days, attan dance performances and drumbeats marked the end of a jirga session.

Tragedy strikes

Zafarkai belonged to Zali Khel tribe but lived in Spin village, a beautiful valley about 25 kilometres away from Wana Bazaar, in South Waziristan Agency.

He was a great warrior and fought many battles in the tribal belt. On April 24, 2014, Zafarkai took his gun and went out towards the mountains to hunt. However, he fell victim of a tribal dispute and was killed.

The respect people had for him was evident from the fact that thousands of people from all over Wana attended his funeral.

Zafarkai is survived by a widow and three children.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2016.