LAHORE - Well-known guitarist Sajjad Tafu has hoped to be nominated for the Pride of Performance for his service to the Pakistani music industry. Sajjad Tafu, son of world famous Tabla maestro Ustad Tafu Khan, has been playing guitar since 1974.
Born in Lahore in 1960, Sajjad started his career in the age of 10 and still living his life with the music instruments. Often seen marching on the roads leading towards Alhmara with his guitar, Sajjad Tafu also has been teaching music since 2009.
Tafu Khan’s service to the music industry spans over 40 years. He has played guitar with celebrated singers like Noor Jahan and Mehdi Hasan. He also composed the poetry of Sufi poets including Shah Hussain, Mian Muhammad Bukhsh, Khawja Ghulam Farid, Waris Shah and Bulleh Shah.
Remembering his memories of childhood, Sajjad who belonged to Mozang Gharana, said his home was a gathering place of legendry artists of the era. He said the music stalwarts like Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, Tufail Niazi and Madam Noor Jahan often visited his home to meet his father. Although, unhappy with the present phenomenon wherein classical music is dying, Tafu hopes that the classical music will revive.
He said his forefathers including Master Inayat Hussain, Akhtar Hussain Akhiyan and Master Abdullah were the leading artists of their era. He said, “My album titled “Sufi Saga” has received world fame.” He performed solo guitar for a number of famous songs like ‘Kabhi Mein Sochta Hoon Kuch Na Kuch Kahon’, Sona Na Chandi Na Koi Mahal and Mujhay Dil Se Na Bhoolana.
Talking to The Nation, Sajjad Tafu said due to the collapse of Pakistani film industry, the artists’ community was living a miserable life.
He said unfortunately genuine artist was not acknowledged at government level. He said Pakistan had talent in every field including music and it was needed to be polished.
He said music was his source of income but due to lack of work he was facing difficulties to earn livelihood. Tafu junior, who is hoping to be nominated for Pride of Performance which would be announced on Intendance Day—August 14, said the government should give awards on merit and patronise the artists in order to revive the showbiz industry.