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/