JEDDAH — Singer Fareed Hasan Khan Niazi of the singing reality show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” will perform at the Jan. 16 opening ceremony of India Festival 2013, organized under the aegis of the Indian Consulate, at the auditorium of International Indian School Jeddah (boys' section). Born and bred in a musical environment, Niazi was always surrounded by renowned musicians. Niazi would hear the “Khayals” and “Bandishes” from his maternal grandfather “Taan Samrat” Ustad Naseer Ahmed Khan. He is also the paternal grandson of “Sarangi” maestro Ustad Mohammed Ahmed Banney Khan and the eldest son of Nizamuddin Khan. Niazi received his early education from Ustad Zafar Ahmed Khan then by his father and uncle Tanveer Ahmed Khan. He learned the intricacies of singing from Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, the Khalifa of Dilli Gharana. Niazi's gifted voice is both mellifluous and can reach between the three octaves. He now possess a deep understanding of various “angs” of singing. His “Alaap” is imaginative while his rhythmic play is pulsating and his “Taans” emerge like rippling cascades. Niazi can sing with ease in different genres such as “Thumri,” “Dadra,” “Bhajans,” “Sufi Kalaam,” semi-classical, among others. His singing is appreciated by fans and critics alike, and he has performed in various concerts like Baba Harbhallabh Sangeet Sammellan, Jallandhar, Saptak Music Festival, Ahmedabad, Swami Hari Daas Sangeet Sammellan and others. — SG
