JEDDAH — A Jeddah-based artist Tariq Amanat won the hearts of Ghazal aficionados at the Karachi Arts Council last week at a reception held to tribute Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. At the open-air lush theater around 1,600 music lovers enjoyed the five-hour concert with people from all walks of life. Rohail Khan, Canadian-Pakistani philanthropist, talent promoter, and chairman of Musical Extravaganza, said along with music Karachi's tranquilizing sea breeze and rounds of Cappuccino made the evening unforgettable. Amanat, who was launched by Khan, skillfully rendered popular Ghazals and Qawwalis of Khan. It was a "dream come true" for the newly introduced singer. The perfect blend of santoor and sitar in sync with each other regaled the audience as they witnessed live the age-old tradition set by the legendary oriental music genius Amir Khusro. Commissioner of Karachi H.E Shoaib Siddiqui inaugurated the event and outlined the need to promote traditional values and cultural ethos. Siddiqui lauded Merchant Production and Khan's efforts of nurturing and promoting new talent in the region. Khan had last year launched Riyadh-based Imran Seher, who sang Jagjit Singh's Ghazals at a concert organized to pay tribute to the Ghazal maestro on his second death anniversary. Khan announced at the event that he will soon launch another talent from Saudi Arabia who excels in rendering semi-classical raagas and Sufi folk songs. Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat -ul- Ibad sent a bouquet via his deputy to Amanat as a token of support. The event's host and chairman of Arts Council Youth Committee, Kashif Grami, offered rich tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and enlightened the audience about the sufi singer's life and achievements. Pakistani Film and TV celebrities Anwer Iqbal and Kiran Sadiq also paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for his lifelong commitment to propagate oriental music across the globe. Internationally-acclaimed Urdu Poet and Scholar Professor Seher Ansari encouraged international talent promoters to bring forth new talent from Pakistan and abroad. Prominent social worker Dr. Aliya Imam said: “Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a trend setter and his continued worldwide fame speaks volume of his greatness," The event was attended by local businessmen, media personalities, intellectuals and socialites, including President Arts Council of Pakistan Ejaz Farooqi, Anis Merchant, Jameel Paracha, Nazeer Qidwai, Wajahat Syed, Dr. Tahira Tariq, Dr. Shehla Ahmed, and other prominent personalities. Special guests visiting from abroad appreciated the event as a medium to promote Urdu culture and music. Farid Ali Shah, investment banker in Riyadh, said: “The mega event has set new trends to offer well deserved tribute to folk heroes and cultural icons.” Umer Shibli, owner of an art gallery in London, said: “Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will be remembered forever by music lovers from all over the world. I urge promoters to organize the next event in England." Shaikh Ghassan Al-Buloushi was mesmerized with Tariq Amanat's rich voice and musical prowess. Ramesh Bhojani, composer and choreographer from Mumbai, opined: “International media have shown extraordinary interest in the Ghazal event. This is a positive sign for new talent from all cultures and backgrounds. A talent hunter myself, I am truly inspired." Professor Mehfooz Majumdar, author and music lover from Dacca, said: “Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's mission to integrate semi-classical music with modern instruments made him eternally popular. Young Tariq has rendered his Ghazals with utmost justice.” Susan Tarablusi, musicologist from Beirut, said she was amazed with the majestic show of musical instruments and grateful for the hospitality of Pakistani people. " “Tariq Amanat is a great find. His voice is so genuine,” said a Yanbu-based dentist Shahida Rajput. Khan had launched and co-sponsored the mega event in association with Merchant Productions. He also acknowledged 24.7 Brand and others who made the event successful.
