LAHORE-We might be suffering from close contact with sun these days but there is no dampening of children’s joy on their summer break. Parents are looking for creative ways to channel this enthusiasm into something fun and useful.

Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts is no stranger to the people in Lahore. This Academy is one of the few institutions devoted to the promotion of arts and culture in Pakistan. Alhamra also offers courses in different artistic endeavours. Today we are in conversation master guitarist Sajjad Tafu from Mozang gharana whose seven generations have committed their lives to the music industry. He was awarded Pride of Performance for his 40 years of contributions to the music industry. He and his son Mumtaz Tafu give lessons throughout the year in the basement at Alhamra.

In his talk with The Nation, Mr. Tafu said that Art is God’s creation, Him being the first artist. “So Parents should encourage their kids to cheer their inside artists. Mathematics and Art are two basic and essential disciplines for growing children. I am a sufi mystic guitarist and my tunes are a unique combination of folk, classical and sufi music but my teachings are not limited to these genres. I also teach Western, Jazz and Spanish tunes which few people can play in Pakistan.

He said students from LUMS, NCA, UCP and other famous institutes have taken classes from him. “Sometimes this class even helps them qualify for admissions. Some of his students are involved with different music bands like Sawal, 3 Taal and Avengers. In addition to guitar, students can also learn to play flute and tabla. Every year hundreds of students learn to play the instruments in the basement of the academy and later go on in the world to spread the love.

Mr. Tafu said mine is an honest art, nobody can fake being an artist. It’s pure and soulful. He said art is healthy way to let out the inner turmoil so it should be promoted in today’s world of extremism and violence. He said he is starting his own Tafu Music Foundation for the promotion of this message. His students would be performing at the fundraising concerts for the organization.

Tafu appealed to government and private sector to pay heed to the artiste community. “There is dire need to set up special fund to help the artistes in need. The death of Amjad Sabri has sent shock waves among the artistes and government must take some confidence building measures and ensure their protection from terrorists. They should be provided security,” he was of the view.