Khyal Muhammad

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Ustad Khyal Muhammad Khan Afridi
Occupation(s)Singer, composer, human rights activist, peace ambassador
Instrument(s)Harmonium, keyboard, guitar
Years active1980–present
LabelsVarious

Ustad Khyal Muhammad (

ghazals and in movies.[2]

Career

Khyal Mohammad belongs to the

ghazals, traditional Pashto poems, a daring gamble since the music scene at that time was dominated by folk music. His style soon became popular in Peshawar and the NWFP.[3]

After establishing his name on the local radio, in 1973–74 Khyal Mohammad appeared in his first movie, Dara-i-Khyber, one of the first "Pollywood" Pashto movies. This gave his career a kick-start, and since then he has appeared in many other movies. As his popularity continued to grow, he often toured in Afghanistan, Europe, the UAR and the USA.[4] Over the years he has recorded a volume of music, and has also appeared as a playback singer in many movies, winning many awards. He has been called the Elvis Presley of Pashto music.[3]

Musical style

Khyal Muhammad renders ghazal songs in a traditional manner, choosing pieces that combine mysticism, romance and philosophy, usually with an undertone of melancholy. His voice has impressive range, but is always fully under control. Radio, television and movie producers have paid tribute to his professionalism and ability to produce flawless performances with minimal rehearsal.[5] Zahoor Khan Zaiby, a Pakhtoon composer of Balochi and Sindhi tunes, says "Lala is an expert at harnessing the mood of the moment and the poetry through his voice. The songs from his films are considered Pashto anthems."[4] One Of his Album is Named as "Sawee Daghuna"

Awards

In 1991, Khyal was given the National Film Award for playback singer.[6] Khyal Muhammad has received a Pride of Performance presidential award, two National Awards and a gold medal from Pakistan Television Corporation presented by Madame Noor Jehan.[4] In April 2009, Chief Minister

Ameer Haider Khan Hoti presented a cheque for Rs one million to Khyal Muhammad on behalf of the provincial government for his services to Pushto music and ghazals.[7]
on 1 Nov 2016 Awarded with Mir Bcha Khan medal by Afghan government; in a gathering at Nishtar Hall Peshawar

References

  1. ^ Nazim Hussain (26 August 2006). "Where the swords dance!". DAWN Group of Newspapers. Retrieved 30 August 2009.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Wilma Louise Heston (1996). Studies in Pakistani popular culture. Sang-e-Meel Publications, Lok Virsa Publishing House. p. 330.
  3. ^ a b "A legendry [sic] Pashto singer: Khyal Muhammad". Pakistan Film Magazine. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Qasim Abdullah Moi. "Up and Front with Ustad Khyal Muhammad". Khyber.org. Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. The Statesman (Pakistan). 27 April 2009. Archived from the original
    on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  6. .
  7. ^ "Hoti gives Rs 1m award to Pushto singer". The News International. 27 April 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009. [dead link]

External links