Vocalist on a mission to take Valley’s Sufi music to world

M Aamir Khan

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Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 5

When the Central Asian Sufi music blended with the Hindustani classical music in the 14th century, it gave rise to a distinct style of Kashmiri music. However, classical Sufi vocalist Dhananjay Koul says the rich Kashmiri music by and large has mostly remained confined to the Valley and he is presently on job to introduce it to the outside world.

“In Kashmir, musical conferences were held in the 7th century. Later (after the advent of Islam), the Hindustani classical music was influenced by the Central Asian Sufi music and it gave birth to distinct Kashmiri Sufi music. Unfortunately, our rich musical legacy has remained confined to the Valley and my mission is to take it outside Kashmir,” said Koul, who has mesmerised audiences globally through several stage performances in the US, UK, Spain, Dubai and Pakistan besides across India.

Koul, who originally hails from Manasbal in north Kashmir and is presently based in New Delhi, has also shared the stage with music legends like Ghulam Ali and Asha Bhosle among others.

Presently on a visit to the Valley, Koul said he mostly renders the ‘kalam’ of Kashmiri Sufi saints and other folk tunes and it always struck a chord with audiences globally irrespective of their ethnic background. He said the Kashmiris living abroad too were trying to keep the Valley’s rich musical heritage alive and it was a delight to perform in front of them.

“Whenever I performed abroad, our music was well received. It has a universal appeal. Besides, I found out that the Kashmiris living abroad are more tuned. Once during a performance in front of Kashmiri Pandits in the US, I was surprised by their knowledge of music and I sang my heart out there,” he said.

Even as Koul said he would continue to popularise Kashmir Sufi music across the world, he feels the local talent in the Valley needs to be honed. For this, he is setting up a ‘Kala Kendra’ in the summer capital.

“We have a lot of talent but our youth need proper guidance. We are setting up a Kala Kendra at Karan Nagar that should become operational by July. My aim is to hone the skills of the local talent. I will also invite experts of the field so that our youth get exposure,” he said.