Few people shine with as much brilliance
and resonance in the vast tapestry of Pakistani music as Abida Parveen. She is
a titan in the world of Sufi music, inspiring souls across borders and
generations.
Born into a musically inclined family in
Larkana, Pakistan, Abida Parveen’s journey into the world of music started
there. Her father, Ustad Ghulam Haider, a maestro of the Sikhwal tradition—a
style of Sufi music unique to Sindh—taught her the basics of the art. Growing
up surrounded by the mysticism and spirituality of Sufi traditions, Parveen
developed a strong bond with the music she would eventually come to represent.
Her strong voice and expressive singing
style soon drew the notice of local audiences as she honed her singing
abilities in qawwali competitions and festivals.
She has given performances at several
international gatherings, such as a concert at New York’s United Nations
General Assembly Hall. Abida Parveen has a strong vocal range and an expressive
delivery that define her singing style.
Her grasp of traditional Pakistani
musical traditions is evident in the complex rhythms and rich vocal elaboration
seen in many of her songs. She frequently collaborates with tabla and harmonium
musicians throughout her performances, resulting in a distinctive sound that
enthralls audiences everywhere.
Throughout her career, Abida Parveen has
received many honors, including multiple Nigar Awards, Pakistan’s highest honor
for cinema artists. The President of Pakistan awarded her the Sitara-e-Imtiaz
in 2017, which is one of the highest civil prizes for achievement in artistic
ability.
But Parveen’s real legacy is found in her
persistent dedication to using her music to promote love, peace, and unity—a
message that transcends the glittering prizes and fan adoration. Her songs are
like rays of hope in a world full of conflict and division; they unite
disparate cultures and promote mutual understanding.
Parveen’s contributions to Pakistani
music are not confined to the stage alone. As a mentor and teacher, she has
nurtured a new generation of musicians, imparting her wisdom and passion to
ensure that the flame of Sufi music continues to burn brightly for years to
come.
Her discography reads like a hymnbook of
the soul, each album a testament to her mastery of the genre and her ability to
evoke the deepest of human emotions with a single note. From the haunting
strains of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” to the poignant melodies of
“Tere Ishq Nachaya,” her music transcends language and culture,
speaking directly to the heart.
https://steemit.com/abida/@sajidahmed/abida-parveen-folk-singer
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/abida-parveen-the-soul-of-sufi-music/