Nadeem Abbas enthralls audience at Lok Virsa

Legendary artist Loonewala captivates the audience with his classical music.

Talented young folk singer Nadeem Abbas Loonewala, son of the late legendary artist Allah Ditta Loonewala, enthralled the audience at a live musical concert at Lok Virsa in Shakarparian on Thursday.

The event was organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) under a joint institutional cooperation programme between Pakistan and Norway, said a press release.

A large number music lovers and youth from the twin cities thronged the show and enjoyed the performance. Though he sung most of his popular items, the folk song “bismillah karan” was a standout as far as the audience’s reaction was concerned.

Nadeem Abbas Loonewala learnt music and singing from his father at an early age. Later, he gradually developed a style of his own. A young singer, he inspired his audience, particularly the youth with his typical Punjabi Mahias and Urdu Ghazal renderings.

Khalid Javaid explained that folk music expresses people’s innermost feelings and ideas, which the ear reveals, thus giving an uplifting influence on the human mind. It is not only the expression of art, but also portrays the harmony of happy living and morale of an entire community.

In his message, the Norwegian ambassador to Pakistan Robert Kvile said, “Culture is important and encompasses a lot. Culture also plays an important role in the art of communication. We see culture breaking the ice between different tribes and nations. We believe that culture is an important tool in building bridges between people and nations. We believe culture is a peacekeeping activity.”

In his address, Federal Secretary for Culture Moinul Islam Bokhari underlined the importance of Norwegian cooperation for Pakistan, saying, “Norway is significantly contributing to the promotion of Pakistani culture, which is undoubtedly a backbone for the development of the country.”

Lok Virsa’s executive director Khalid Javaid informed that the holding of the show has been possible with financial support from Norwegian government.

Explaining the background, he said that Lok Virsa launched a series titled as “documentation of genealogical musical families of Pakistan” in the year 2009 with an objective to revive dying musical heritage and to encourage youngsters in the families of renowned folk and classical artists in order to ensure continuity of traditions.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 02^nd, 2011.