The 11th death anniversary of Renowned Sufi Qawaal and Naatkhuwan 'Maqbool Ahmad Sabri' was observed on Monday.

Maqbool Ahmed Sabri initially learnt music from his father Ustad Inayat Hussain Sabri and his elder brother Ghulam Farid Sabri.

He was also awarded with the Pride of Performance Award.      

He died on this day in 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-LOosRyDIQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFyT8d0J3uY

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Pertinent to note that legendary Sufi Qawwal and Naat Khawan was a proponent of Sufi music.

Son of Ghulam Farid Sabri and nephew of Maqbool Ahmed Sabri of Sabri Brothers, he emerged as one of South Asia’s most prominent qawwali singers.

Amjad Sabri born on December 23, 1976, used to participate in chorus in his father and uncle’s group, “Sabri Brothers.”

He started working as supporting vocalist after death of his father. Later, he started his own group.

His main works included Main Nazar Karoon Jaan e Jigar, Allah Allah, Dhoom Macha Do, Kaab Ki Raunaq, Kaash Yeh Dua Meri, Ali Mera Dil, Phir Dikha De Haram, Tuloo-e-Saher Hai Shaam-e-Qalandar.

His Qawwalis Tajdar-e-Haram and Bhar Do Jholi immortalized him in the hearts of his fans.

Singer Tufail Niazi’s 21th death anniversary today

Today marks the 21th death anniversary of prolific singer, Tufail Niazi. He was one of the greatest Pakistani singers, and achieved fame with his famous song ‘Sada Chirian Da Chanbha’.

He also has the honor of singing the first song to have ever been aired on Pakistan Television (PTV). A winner of the President’s Pride of Performance Award, he died on September 21, 1990.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2A198MQpnM

His other famous songs are ‘Layee Beqadran Naal Yaari’, ‘Mein Nai Jana Kheriyan De Nal’ and many more. His voice was full of deep pathos and excels in describing bonds which are unbreakable with his musical notes, such as the love of a daughter and father.

Tufail Niazi belonged to the Kapurthala music tradition, and the lineage of Saeen Ilyas. He became an internationally renowned musician and is a great name in Punjabi folk music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiNxde7be9o

Tufail Niazi had a unique edge over other legendary folk singers due to his mastery over compositions nested in classical tradition. He often instilled new and different meanings into common verses.

He was born to a family of music lovers. He received his early training in classic singing from his father, who played the Dhurpadi Mardang (a type of drum).

Niazi made his first public appearance as a singer when he was eight years old. Before Independence, he used to sing at the famous Harbalb Mela (festival) near Jullander, where leading Indian singers used to perform.

After Independence, he migrated to Multan where he began selling milk and curd until 1949, when a police inspector recognized him and arranged for him to sing at a concert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwG3ba6QGX0

He soon became well known in the cultural circles of Multan, where he established a theatre and became a popular actor, singing on occasion for Radio Pakistan and performing on television when it was introduced.

Tufail Niazi, a master of his art, excelled at ‘aarr’ (singing between the beats) and ‘adhob’ (amalgamating the notes of two or three ragas). He worked tirelessly to help set up the National Institute of Folk Heritage, travelling all over Pakistan to gather folk treasures. A winner of the President’s Pride of Performance Award, Niazi breathed his last on September 21, 1990.