A Legacy of Kabul Bukhari, Waqar Khan, Masrat Naz
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Three Pahari singers have made a groundbreaking revolution in Kashmiri music, leaving an everlasting impact on the music scene in the region.
These talented individuals have managed to captivate audiences with their sensational singing and exceptional talent.
Syed Kabul Bukhari, a legendary Pahari singer, has been instrumental in introducing Pahari music to mainstream Kashmiri culture. His soulful voice and poetic lyrics have garnered a massive fan following in the region and beyond.
Originally from Karnah Kupwara, he pursued his musical education in Mumbai after studying in Srinagar. Kabul Bukhari is associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages and has played a crucial role in popularizing the musical traditions of Kashmir on a global scale.
With his melodious voice and skillful rendition, he enchanted audiences, often accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as Tumbaknari and Saz-e-Kashmir. Despite Pahari mother tongue, Bukhari has chosen to primarily sing Kashmiri songs and has gained immense fame and recognition through his YouTube channel.
Another remarkable talent, Waqar Khan, another prominent Pahari singer, has been responsible for bringing a new dimension to Kashmiri music with his melodious voice and innovative compositions.
Hailing from the remote frontier village of Karnah Tehsil in Kupwara district. His journey as a singing sensation began during his schooling at the Police Public School in Srinagar, where his teacher recognized his beautiful voice during school functions.
This recognition fueled Waqar’s determination to refine his raw talent and pursue music seriously. Today, he is a household name in Kashmir and enjoys immense popularity on social media platforms.
Starting as a hobby, Waqar’s passion for music grew as he gained experience performing in live concerts. In 2018, he ventured into commercial platforms like YouTube, where his song “Kali Kali zulfon” gained unexpected popularity, garnering millions of views within months.
The third notable singer in this trio is Masrat Naz, a 40-year-old self-taught singer, has become a household name in Kashmiri music, thanks to her captivating voice and heart-touching lyrics. Her songs have touched the hearts of millions, and her popularity continues to grow with each passing day.
Hailing from Karnah valley, Masrat has made a significant impact on both sides of divided Kashmir with her soothing voice. She has become a social media sensation, captivating audiences with her melodious singing. Masrat is dedicated to reviving the Pahari language through her music and has actively participated in the field for over two decades. Her performances on stage and in albums have received tremendous response and appreciation. Masrat firmly believes in the power of music as a universal language that transcends boundaries, uniting and empowering societies worldwide.
These three extraordinary musicians have created a musical revolution in Kashmir. They have not only expanded the horizon of traditional Pahari and Kashmiri music but have also brought together people of different cultures, backgrounds, and communities. Their music has become a symbol of hope, unity, and peace, transcending borders and bringing people closer.
These three Pahari singers have not only revived traditional Pahari songs but have also left an indelible mark on the Kashmiri music scene, forever changing its landscape.
The legacy of Kabul Bukhari, Waqar Khan, and Masrat Naz will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers, and their immense contributions to the world of music will always be remembered with admiration and respect.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
