Ghazal night: Tribute paid to a lost gem

ISLAMABAD:

Young radio artist and TV singer Ahsan Aqeel enthralled the audience by paying tribute to late ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan, who passed away earlier in the day, at Trust for Voluntary Organisation on Wednesday.

A group of ghazal lovers gathered for the young artist’s performance, who presented some of Mehdi Hassan’s ghazals in addition to singing tracks by Ghulam Ali and Ahmed Faraz. The event was organised by Islamabad Cultural Forum (ICF) and was lit up by Aqeel’s voice and talent.

Dedicating the evening to Mehdi Hassan, Aqeel said he was a gem in Pakistani music and there was no one who can match up to his talent.

“He ruled the music industry for 42 years and though we have lost him today, his voice is engraved in the hearts of millions of people,” he remarked.

While talking to The Express Tribune, ICF General Secretary Saadia Kamal said Aqeel learnt the art of singing from his father, who was trained by Ustad Salamat Ali. He has also been awarded with the best ghazal performer’s award at All Pakistan Music Conference.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2012.