Lok Virsa launches its music DVDs

Renditions during cultural events of 2017 recorded, made available to public

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) launched the DVD's of seven popular musical events that celebrated diversity of Pakistan last year.

The launching ceremony of DVD'S followed a special musical performance by Azhar Hussain Jaffery and group, a statement said on Wednesday.

These DVDs are comprised of the important programmes which celebrated the richly diverse Pakistan, with a focus on folk music like Folk Child Artistes performance at Faiz International Festival.

Another event was Lok Theatre by Fazal Jutt performed at Al Hamra Arts Council, in November last year. The performance included musical storytelling, folk tales of Punjab, colourful sets and guest appearance by Bushra Sadiq.

According to the statement, this is a must-have DVD for all those who are interested to experience the legacy of the traveling folk theatre of Punjab. “Lok Virsa has selected a few special items for listeners from Sindh and Balochistan that are a must for your collection,” it said.

The Faqirs of Bhit Shah sing the devotional poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai while Mai Nimani, Akhtar Chinnal and Shaukat have each selected folk songs in different languages.

Unity in diversity, an event celebrating birth anniversary of Ba'haullah, founder of Ba'hai faith, respected Bahaullah,  in collaboration with the Ba'hai community. This celebration is full of colour and music reflecting the message of love and tolerance of Bahai community.

Lok Virsa held a series of musical events titled Children of Great Masters. In one such evening, Ruby Reshma sang melodies of Reshma on the occasion of Bali Jatti Rooftop Theatre inauguration.

Similarly, Imran Aziz Mian's tribute to his father Aziz Mian, the legendary qawwal was also available on the DVD. It features full recording of Imran Aziz's performance at "Mehfil e Samaa" held at Lok Virsa last year and Khumariyaan's Jashn-e-Azadi concert in which Lok Virsa especially acknowledges the young artistes who keep their folk instruments and traditions alive in the face of modernisation.

Khumarian's popularity serves as a great example of the potential soulful folk instrumental music has, if it is fusioned with western instruments, with imagination. This DVD features Khumariyaan's Jashn-e-Azaadi concert which was held at Lok Virsa.

National Press Club Islamabad Secretary-General Shakil Anjum speaking at the DVD launch said Lok Virsa was doing its best to create a sense of realisation in new generation about the importance of their diverse cultural identity.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said the only purpose of doing all this is to make the current generation realise the importance of its culture and to preserve the rich cultural heritage for the next coming generations. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2018.