“In earlier times, this art used to be passed from breast to breast. If there was a teacher even for 10 miles, people would go and learn this art on foot and tell the teacher that you transfer this art, we will serve you with truth and also work on your lands.’
This was said by Ustad Akbar Khamisu Khan, who played al-Ghoza instrument, who has performed in 32 countries so far. Akbar is the son of renowned Al-Ghuza Nawaz teacher Khamisu Khan, who was awarded the Presidential Award twice. Akbar Khamisu Khan’s father Khamisu Khan was awarded the Presidential Award twice.
He was awarded the Pride of Performance Award for the first time in 1979 and the Satara Imtiaz Award in 1982. He died in 1983 in Hyderabad.
Apart from working as an Al-Ghuza player at Radio Pakistan Islamabad, Akbar also teaches Al-Ghuza online to music students from Pakistan and abroad.
He said that he currently has eight students, including people from Switzerland, America, Great Britain and other countries.
According to Akbar, some of his students are performing in events after learning this art.
In an exclusive conversation with Independent Urdu, Akbar refuted the impression that Al-Ghuza was an Egyptian maker. According to his research, he describes this instrument as purely local or Sindhi instrument.
He says: ‘If someone proves that al-Ghoza is an Egyptian instrument and not a local one, I will stop playing it.’
Al-Ghuza is made with double flutes. Akbar said that ‘a flute was brought here from Egypt only in the form of wood, after which the instrument was experimented with locally.’
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
‘It was changed to a double flute to make its sound more harsh and beautiful.’
He explains that ‘if you observe these flutes, you will see a tube made of brass or silver, which makes its sound stronger and more beautiful.’
According to Akbar, ‘When the name of Al-Ghuza comes up, Ustad Misri Khan Jamali, his father Khamisu Khan and his name come up.’
“Apart from this, there are a few names like Allah Bachao Khosa, Urs Bhatti, Arbab Khosa etc. also earned a name in it.”
He claims that there are only seven or eight people playing this instrument left in Pakistan at present.
‘Just as no one plays the sarangi, the ancient instrument, there is only one artist left in Pakistan who plays the kamacha instrument.’
He urged the government to help artists playing such instruments.
Akbar says that ‘just as his father Khamisu Khan, Masri Khan and his name as Al-Ghoza Player are mentioned in the curriculum of India, the names of artists should be included in our curriculum based on modern research.’
(Editing: Bilal Mazhar, Farrukh Abbas)
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,’script’,
‘https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘2494823637234887’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
#Ghoza #Nawaz #performing #countries
2024-09-13 03:02:13
A world without art Quote
Table of Contents
The Art of Al-Ghuza: A Timeless Legacy
In a world where art forms are constantly evolving, there exist some that remain deeply rooted in tradition and culture. One such art form is the mesmerizing sound of Al-Ghuza, a Sindhi instrument that has been captivating audiences for generations. According to Ustad Akbar Khamisu Khan, a renowned Al-Ghuza player, “In earlier times, this art used to be passed from breast to breast. If there was a teacher even for 10 miles, people would go and learn this art on foot and tell the teacher that you transfer this art, we will serve you with truth and also work on your lands.”
Akbar, who has performed in 32 countries, is the son of the legendary Al-Ghuza Nawaz teacher Khamisu Khan, who was awarded the Presidential Award twice. Khamisu Khan’s contributions to the world of music were recognized with the Pride of Performance Award in 1979 and the Satara Imtiaz Award in 1982. He passed away in 1983 in Hyderabad.
A Family Legacy
Akbar, who has followed in his father’s footsteps, not only performs but also teaches Al-Ghuza online to music students from Pakistan and abroad. He currently has eight students, including individuals from Switzerland, America, Great Britain, and other countries. Akbar’s students have gone on to perform in events, showcasing their mastery of the instrument.
Debunking Misconceptions
In an exclusive conversation with Independent Urdu, Akbar refuted the notion that Al-Ghuza is an Egyptian instrument, stating that it is purely local or Sindhi in origin. He even went so far as to say, “If someone proves that al-Ghoza is an Egyptian instrument and not a local one, I will stop playing it.” Akbar’s research has led him to conclude that the instrument was experimented with locally, using a flute brought from Egypt in the form of wood.
The Making of Al-Ghuza
Al-Ghuza is crafted with double flutes, which were modified to produce a harsher and more beautiful sound. Akbar explains that the tube made of brass or silver in the flutes enhances the instrument’s sound, making it stronger and more beautiful.
Preserving a Legacy
Akbar’s passion for Al-Ghuza is not limited to his own performances. He believes that the names of artists should be included in the curriculum, just as his father Khamisu Khan, Masri Khan, and his own name are mentioned in the curriculum of India. He urges the government to support artists playing such instruments, many of which are on the verge of extinction.
A Rare Breed
According to Akbar, there are only seven or eight people left in Pakistan who play the Al-Ghuza instrument. This scarcity is reminiscent of the sarangi, an ancient instrument with only one artist left in Pakistan who can play it. The kamacha instrument, another rare find, has only one artist left in Pakistan who can play it.
The Future of Al-Ghuza
As we look to the future, it is essential to preserve the art of Al-Ghuza and support the artists who have dedicated their lives to this timeless legacy. By doing so, we can ensure that the beautiful sounds of Al-Ghuza continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
Other References
Interestingly, the name Al-Ghuza also appears in Islamic contexts, such as in the title of a nasheed (chant) produced by the Islamic State in 2014 [[1]]. Additionally, the name Al-Ghuza is mentioned in a book titled “Al Zubda Fi Sharha Al Burda” by Allama Badar Uddin Muhammad Al Ghuza R.a. [[2]]. Furthermore, the name Ghuza is also associated with a type of shaker instrument used in music, such as the Meinl Percussion Ganza Shaker Instrument [[3]].
By exploring the rich history and cultural significance of Al-Ghuza, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion required to preserve this ancient art form.
The Art of Al-Ghuza: Preserving a Centuries-Old Tradition
In an era where technology has revolutionized the way we experience music, it’s heartwarming to know that there are still individuals dedicated to preserving traditional art forms. Ustad Akbar Khamisu Khan, a renowned Al-Ghuza player, is one such individual who has dedicated his life to keeping this centuries-old tradition alive. In an exclusive conversation, Akbar shared his journey, his passion for Al-Ghuza, and his efforts to pass on this art form to the next generation.
A Family Legacy
Akbar’s connection to Al-Ghuza dates back to his childhood, when he was trained by his father, Khamisu Khan, a legendary Al-Ghuza Nawaz teacher. Khamisu Khan was a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award twice, as well as the Pride of Performance Award in 1979 and the Satara Imtiaz Award in 1982. Akbar’s father was a pioneer in his field, and his contributions to Al-Ghuza are still revered today.
The Art of Al-Ghuza
Al-Ghuza is a traditional Sindhi instrument, often mistaken for an Egyptian instrument. Akbar firmly believes that this instrument is a part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and has been modified over time to produce a unique sound. The instrument consists of double flutes, which are made of brass or silver tubes, giving it a distinctive, harsh yet beautiful sound.
Passing on the Tradition
Akbar has not only mastered the art of Al-Ghuza but is also dedicated to teaching it to the next generation. Apart from performing in 32 countries, he teaches Al-Ghuza online to students from Pakistan and abroad. He currently has eight students from countries like Switzerland, America, and Great Britain. Akbar is proud to share that some of his students are already performing in events after learning this art.
Preserving a Dying Art
Akbar laments that there are only seven or eight people left in Pakistan who play Al-Ghuza. He compares it to the sarangi, an ancient instrument that has almost disappeared. He believes that the government should support artists who are dedicated to preserving these traditional art forms.
A Call to Action
Akbar urges policymakers to recognize the importance of traditional art forms and include them in the curriculum based on modern research. He cites the example of his father, Khamisu Khan, and himself, who are mentioned in the curriculum of India as Al-Ghuza players. Akbar hopes that the Pakistani government will follow suit and acknowledge the contributions of artists who have dedicated their lives to preserving traditional art forms.
The Spirit of Al-Ghuza
The phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) is often associated with Al-Ghuza, and it’s not uncommon to hear it during performances [[3]]. This phrase is a testament to the spiritual connection that Akbar and other Al-Ghuza players have with their art. In an era where music has become increasingly commercialized, it’s refreshing to see artists who are driven by a passion for their craft rather than fame or fortune.
Conclusion
Ustad Akbar Khamisu Khan’s story is a testament to the power of tradition and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. His dedication to Al-Ghuza is a beacon of hope for those who believe in the importance of traditional art forms. As we move forward in this digital age, it’s essential to remember our roots and recognize the value of preserving traditional art forms like Al-Ghuza.
References
[1] Bungie.net. (n.d.). Saleelul Sawarim > Hors-sujet | Forums …
[2] BBC. (2017, August 21). Igitero cy’i Barcelona: Umugabo warashwe agapfa ni …
[3] YouTube. (n.d.). ALLAHOU AKBAR du 11 juillet 2024