Singer SB John remembered

Rich tributes paid to singer at condolence reference

Music critic Sultan Arshad still remembers the first time he saw SB John at Radio Pakistan. At that time his song Tu Jo Nahi hai Toh Kuch Bhi Nahi hai had gained massive popularity.

"He was one of those people with whom I felt close. His sincerity will always be remembered." He was speaking at an event which was held to as a condolence reference for the singer who passed away on June 5, 2021.

Arts Council Joint Secretary Asjad Bukhari said that people loved him as they loved his songs. I pray for his departed soul.

Praising the Arts Council Karachi, Mehboob Ashraf said act of organising a condolence reference for artists was much appreciated. "He was the only artist who treated me like his son. He was as great an artist was a great human being" said Mehboob.

Addressing the event, PTV Producer Amjad Hussain Shah was also grateful to the Arts Council and Ahmed Shah for organising the event on this platform. "S.B John was a legendary artist who gained international fame. "Mother of Indian Film Director Mahesh Butt used to listen to the popular song of John "Tu jo nahi" like a prayer.

ZH Faheem said SB had a global reputation that will last forever. "He and his songs will always be remembered." He called the singer an asset of the music industry and said his songs gained "eternal status".

Recalling the memories of SB John, Ustad Nafees Khan said The pain of John's death is still alive. "He was at a higher rank of fame"

"John has been with me since the 50's. We mutually worked on hundreds of programs," said Feroz Akhter.

Speaking on the occasion, John's son Glenn John said he was proud to call myself the singer's son. He added that he was a teacher and a great friend, apart from being a father. "He worked on PTV and Radio Pakistan for a really long time, I can feel my father's soul and voice there"

"Work is still going well in the new times, but the work that used to be done previously is remembered for long," said Zaheer Khan. Concluding the ceremony, priest Sunil Patras prayed for the eternal peace of SB John.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2021.