Punjab music competitions unearth new talents

LAHORE:

The Punjab Arts Council continued its tradition of fostering future talent, actively spotlighting the province’s promising singers.

The inaugural Punjab music competitions, organised by Pukaar, are in full swing across districts, attracting participants from musical families as well as a large number of students from schools, colleges, and universities.

These budding artists are showcasing their vocal talents in hopes of making a name for themselves.

The music competition commenced on April 22 in Faisalabad and has already travelled through over 20 districts.

The current executive director of the Punjab Arts Council, Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, has been encouraging these young talents.

Shahid reports that over 15,000 individuals aged 14 to 30 have registered for the competitions, including students and individuals from musical families.

The top three winners from each district will progress to division-level contests, with successful candidates moving on to the provincial competition in Lahore, where the best singer of Punjab for 2024 will be crowned.

In other cultural news, a new theatre regulation has been implemented across Punjab.

According to the new law, the management of all theatre halls, including those in Lahore, has transitioned from the Department of Interior to the Department of Information and Culture.

The Punjab Arts Council will now oversee artists and enforce new guidelines under the Drama Act.

An evening dedicated to the Sarangi was recently held at Al Hamra, featuring sarangi player Zohaib Hasan.

He captivated the audience with classical, thumri, ghazal, and modern music performances. The event was a resounding success, with attendees thoroughly enjoying the music.

After an eight-year hiatus, the Raga Boys—Wali Hamid Ali Khan, Inam Ali Khan, and Nayab Ali Khan—have returned to India.

They visited the shrine of Pir Haji Ali Bukhari in Mumbai. According to Wali Hamid Ali Khan, the lead singer, they are excited to have received a visa to India again and plan to continue their visits.

The Lahore Arts Council Al Hamra recently hosted the Jalib Awami Mela in honor of the renowned revolutionary poet Habib Jalib. The prestigious event featured performances by famous singers, including Jawad Ahmed, who received enthusiastic applause from the audience. The program also included a theater drama and mystical recitations that were highly appreciated by attendees.

Lastly, condolences are ongoing at the Iranian consulate following the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions.

Tahir Anjum, President of the Muslim League-N Cultural Wing Punjab and a prominent stage actor, met with Acting Iranian Consul General Agha Ali Asghar Mughari to express his sympathies for the tragic loss.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2024.