Sad day: Music fraternity shocked

Artists condemn killing of Amjad Sabri, demand government to take action against perpetrators


Our Correspondents June 22, 2016
Artists condemn killing of Amjad Sabri, demand government to take action against perpetrators. YOUTUBE SCREENGRAB

KARACHI/LAHORE: News of the killing of renowned qawwal Amjad Sabri took the nation by storm, with the artist community expressing grief and concern about the security situation. Since the late singer had always been very vocal about growing extremism in our society and was always present on occasions where Pakistani celebrities got together, be it for charity cricket matches or TV shows, musicians did not hold back their emotions in this hour of mourning.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan said Amjad Sabri changed the way qawwali is sung and appreciated. “It clicked with the people and he became a sweetheart of qawwali aficionados,” he said, adding, “I would always see him smiling.”

Folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi said Amjad Sabri was a legendary son of a legendary father. “He established his own identity even if he sang his father’s kalams,” he said. Attaullah added it is a shame that the government failed to provide him security.

8 performances by Amjad Sabri that will leave you spellbound

Singer Shehzad Roy recalled, “Last year at my house Amjad bhai and I had discussed a collaboration and had almost finalised it. My biggest regret will be of not being able to materialise it,” adding, “He was a very genuine and humble man.” Roy said the death has changed things for the entire artist community of the country.



Punjabi singer Shaukat Ali concurred with Roy. He said the entire industry had no one like him. “Amjad Sabri was the ideal example for young artists of singing gharanas.”

Music director Wajahat Attre said it is difficult to digest the fact that he was gunned down in broad daylight. “Amjad Sabri was a carbon copy of his father. Whenever I heard him sing, I would recall Ghulam Fareed Sabri. His death has left a lot of questions that authorities will have to answer,” he maintained.

An upcoming qawwal from the newer generation, Hamza Akram termed Amjad Sabri his hero. “I am in Madina right now and praying for his soul,” he said.

For Nescafe Basement producer Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, few were left in the country who were actually continuing with qawwali the way it has been done for centuries and Amjad Sabri was one of them. Referring to his detractors, Zulfiqar said, “Hatred or breeding hatred cannot be the way forward for this country. I hope and pray we correct ourselves for the better.”

Amjad Sabri shot dead in Karachi

Sindh Board of Film Censors head Fakhr-e-Alam took to Twitter, saying, “So who will explain to the five children of Amjad Sabri, all under the age of 10, what happened to their father and who is responsible?”

Referring to a studio version of Tajdar-e-Haram sung by Amjad Sabri and Sarah Haider, music producer Shahi Hasan said, “Was a rare honour recording my all-time favorite qawwali with you. Goodbye old friend. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace.”

Veteran playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed had survived a similar attempt on his life in Lahore almost two years ago. He said the news of Amjad Sabri’s demise brings pain to everyone. “He was promoting the message of saints and some elements could not stand that,” he said. The writer said no one can deny the contribution of the Sabris when it comes to Eastern music. “Those who silenced him should know that they cannot silence this movement and this message of harmony and coexistence.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2016.

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