King Tafu's irreplaceable legacy

Industry veterans pour in tributes for legendary maestro

The Pakistani music community is reeling with the loss of beloved tabla master Ustad Altaf Hussain Tafu Khan, who passed away in Lahore on Saturday aged 79. A towering figure from the renowned Punjab Gharana, Ustad Tafu was not only celebrated for his exceptional skill on the tabla but also for his vibrant personality and profound influence on the art of music in Pakistan.

As Ustad Tafu was laid to rest on Sunday after succumbing to kidney disease, prominent figures in the music industry took to social media to express their heartfelt condolences and share their memories of their time with the musical legend.

An irredeemable loss

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved uncle, Ustad Tafu Khan," wrote multi-instrumentalist, Amir Azhar. "A legendary tabla player, musician, and music director, he left an unforgettable mark on the world of music and on our lives. His talent, dedication, and spirit will live on in the melodies he gifted to us all. Our hearts are deeply saddened by this loss, and he will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace."

As news of Ustad Tafu's passing spread, those active in the music industry expressed their sorrow on social media, with some keeping their captions short and respectful. "Legendary Ustad Tafu Khan sb passed away, a big loss," wrote sitar legend Ashraf Sharif Khanust on Facebook.

Others, however, composed a longer tribute, sharing their memories of the musical giant and expressing their condolences to his family.

"Just learned the sad news of the Legendary Ustad Tafu Khan's demise," began singer and composer Adnan Sami in a heartfelt note on Instagram. "Apart from being a giant from the renowned Punjab Gharana and a Maestro at playing the Tabla, his contribution to music is immense and well documented."

Ustad Tafu began his illustrious career in 1970, making his mark as a music director with his first film song, Sunn Wey Balori Akhh Waaliya, which was sung by the legendary Noor Jehan and featured in the Punjabi film Anwara. However, it was not just his skill with the tabla that endeared Ustad Tafu to his peers, but his warm personality that lifted him up to such high esteem.

"He had an equally famous sense of humour and was well known for being very naughty in nature but underneath all the exterior facade, those who truly knew his nature, were well aware that deep inside, he was a passionate artist with a heart of gold and oozed love to all those whom he was fond of," continued Sami fondly. Reminiscing about their shared history and musical collaborations, Sami added, "He and I performed together in a classical performance of mine many moons ago and he also played the tabla in my track entitled Pyar Hai from SARGAM."

Sami ended his post on a heartfelt note, extending his wishes to Ustad Tafu's family. "May Allah SWT bless his soul in peace," he wrote. "May he find new rhythms in heaven. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his beautiful beloved family."

Never gone for good

Musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, meanwhile, took to his YouTube channel to express his sorrow in a short video, acknowledging the hole Ustad Tafu's death has left across the musical landscape in Pakistan.

"Today is a very sad day," began Rahat. "This is a huge loss for us across Pakistan. Ustad Tafu's style and his expression have the power to move us to tears." Paying special tribute to how the musical icon had brightened the name of Punjab, Rahat added, "His life was his music. Good people never leave this world for good, because their work lives on forever. Ustad Tafu has left so much behind, and those who have seen him perform live will know what a huge loss this is. I express my heartfelt condolences to all the family members he has left behind."

Those with a keen finger on the pulse of Pakistani music will be aware that Ustad Tafu's exquisite skill with the tabla inspired generations across the nation, including moving performances in Coke Studio. However, Ustad Tafu's contributions to music extended beyond performance; he was an educator, nurturing the next generation of musicians with his expertise and passion. In July, the late musical icon was recognised for his contribution at an award ceremony held in Lahore, with industry veterans Nisho Begum, Tasawwar Khanum, Humaira Channa, and Riaz Rehman Sagar also present. Ustad Tafu's vibrant personality and commitment to his craft have left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.