Folk singer Bushra Marvi talks relocating to Lahore in search of recognition

After releasing eight albums, Hyderabad-based Bushra Marvi moves to Lahore for greener pastures

LAHORE: Bushra Marvi has always traversed the road less travelled. She has performed at festivals, wedding functions and various shrines and simultaneously released eight albums in Sindhi, Punjabi and Saraiki. But somehow, she never quite managed to master the art of marketing herself in the industry and get the recognition she deserves – at least not in cities other than her hometown, Hyderabad.

Bushra has recently shifted to Lahore to push her career further. “There are many new folk singers in Sindh but due to the lack of resources their talent remains underground and that is why, singers like myself are shifting to other cities,” said a displeased Bushra, holding an Aik Tara in her hand and wearing a traditional Sindhi dress. “Sindh is enriched with talent and many artists from here have earned appreciation on an international level too. Folk singers such as Abida Parveen, Allaf Fakir, Imran Channa, Ustad Muhammad Juman, Shazia Khushk and Manzoor Sakhirani all shifted out of Sindh and then became famous.”

As of now, Bushra — the cousin of folk singer and Coke Studio star Sanam Marvi — resides in a small rental in Lahore. Her primary aim is to promote Sindhi folk singing in the city and work with the big names associated with the field. Asked why she didn’t choose to shift to Karachi instead, the singer replied, “I shifted to Lahore because I was impressed with its cultural and music history. Also, most big folk singers are residing here and I believe I can flourish in their presence.”

However, Bushra admitted that she has been struggling in Lahore ever since she arrived six months ago, as well. “Being a female singer, it is difficult to make a place for yourself when no one knows you. But I am working hard towards making a name here. I am concerned about Sindhi girls who want to work in this field but are not given the opportunity,” she stated. “Due to the non-availability of resources, these girls aren’t able to come to the forefront and I only wish the government would do something for the promotion of folk singing in Sindhi villages.”

It must be noted that Sindhi music isn’t all that Bushra is working on. She is also currently involved in some Punjabi music videos that she intends to release next year and hopes to be offered to sing for a film while in Lahore. Not to mention, Bushra has also been making headlines globally and will soon represent Pakistan on Oman’s National Day, end November. She has previously performed in the UK, USA, Canada, Thailand and India as well.

Bushra started her career singing from radio, but over time, has perfected the art of classical and folk singing. Despite this, Sufi music remains her favourite genre. “I am amongst those folk singers who have sung at shrines of saints. I started my career by singing at festivals.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2016.

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