Tribute: Folk singer Tufail Niazi remembered

Lok Virsa organised a programme here on Monday to mark the death anniversary of renowned folk singer Tufail Niazi, said a press release.

The event featured a mesmerising performance by the late artist’s sons Babar, Javed, Shahensha, his maternal grandchild Owais Niazi as well as his brother Qurban Niazi and the Bakhshi brothers.

The event was attended by a large number of people including music lovers, friends and family members of the iconic singer.

Born in 1916 in Jalandhar, Niazi received his early training in classical singing from his father. He rose to fame with his song “Sada Chirian Da Chamba”. He had the honour to sing the first song aired on Pakistan Television as well.

Belonging to the Kapurthala music tradition and the lineage of Saeen Ilyas, he had a unique edge over other folk singers. His voice was full of deep pathos and had the quality to describe unbreakable bonds, such as the love between a man and his daughter.

Tufail made his first public appearance as a singer when he was eight.

Before the creation of Pakistan, he had the honour to sing at the famous Harbalb festival with leading Indian singers. He received the
Pride of Performance Award in 1983 and died on Sept 21, 1990.

Niazi also remained an important part of Lok Virsa from its beginning till his death.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2015.