Folk singer and musicologist Arieb Azhar brought the essence of folk music and Sufi poetry to life at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on Thursday, delivering a captivating musical presentation.
Azhar began by reflecting on his childhood experiences with Punjabi and Sindhi folk musicians, which ignited his passion for the genre despite his Urdu-speaking background. He guided the audience through the rich tapestry of folk music, beginning with the verses of Baba Farid and moving through the works of Guru Nanak, Shah Hussain, and Sultan Bahu. He placed a special emphasis on the poetry of Bulleh Shah, later linking it with his contemporary, Waris Shah. Azhar also performed pieces by Faiz Ahmed Faiz while discussing Bulleh Shah’s work, blending discussions with folk songs that resonated with the audience. Throughout his presentation, the sizable crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, immersing in the soulful journey of folk and Sufi poetry.
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