Badar uz Zaman (21 April 1940 – 1 December 2023)[1] was a Pakistani classical singer.[2] He contributed to Pakistani Classical Music by promoting and re-interpreting compositions of the sub-continent's Muslim composers. Zaman performed with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman, carrying forward the Pakistan's own "Kasur Gharana"[3] traditions of the art of Khayal music. Classical singers typically represent Indian Gharanas of Music.[4]

Ustad Badar uz Zaman
Born(1940-04-21)21 April 1940
Died1 December 2023(2023-12-01) (aged 83)
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Occupation(s)Pakistani classical and Khyal singing, musicologist
Years active1956–2023
AwardsPride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan (2006)
Pride of Performance Award Recipient
Badar uz Zaman was recipient of Pride of Performance
Date23 March 2006
CountryIslamic Republic of Pakistan
Presented byIslamic Republic of Pakistan

Early life and education

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Zaman came from a wealthy family of Lahore cloth merchants.[2] He was educated in Pakistan at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, getting top position earning a bachelor's degree in music, and M.A. in political science.

Career

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Zaman started his music career in 1956. Pervaiz Shami introduced him to debut on Radio Pakistan. He served the Punjab Council of the Arts as Deputy Director Drama and Resident Director Faisalabad, Sargodha and D.G Khan Arts Councils. As of 2012 Zaman was attached as Associate Professor to the Music Department, University of the Punjab Lahore.[5] He received music training from Ustad Faiz Ali (Gawaliyar), Ustad Iftikhar Ahmed Khan (Delhi), Ustad Chhotay Ghulam Ali Khan (Qasur) and Ustad Bhai Naseera (Punjab). In composing of film songs, he was affiliated with the renowned Pakistani music director Nisar Bazmi for 18 years. He was active in music for about 56 years, singing Khayal, Thumris, Dadra, and Ghazal.[citation needed]

Zaman remained active as a music performer in later life, particularly in partnership with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman.[6][7] Described as the "more articulate of the two",[2] Badar uz Zaman expressed views on topics including India-Pakistan cultural exchange,[2] and the 2011 arrest of singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.[8][9][10]

Death

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Badar uz Zaman died on 1 December 2023, at the age of 83.[11]

Books

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Zaman authored, translated, researched and edited several books on music,[12] such as:

  • Nawa-e-Mosiqi,
  • Taal Sagar,
  • Sada Rang,
  • Tohfa-tul-hind,
  • Ramoz-e-Sitar
  • Punjab ki classiki moosiqi ko ataa Tappa
  • Muarif-ul-Naghmaat (Part 1, Part 2 and part 3)[13]
  • Sada-e-Mausiqui[14]

His books Nawa-e-Mosiqi, Taal Sagar and Sada Rang have been translated into Hindi, English and Gurmukhi[15] and are being taught in Pakistani and Indian universities.[3][16]

Awards

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Zaman was awarded a number of honours/awards including:

  • Graduate Award 1974–75 & 1975–76,[17]
  • PTV Best Classical Singer Award 1982,[18]
  • Ahang-e-Khusravi, KH. Khurshid Anwer Award 1987,[19]
  • K.L.Saigol Award 1991,[20]
  • Aitaraf-e-Fun Award 1999.[21]
  • PBC National Excellence Award for Classical Singer 14 April 2001.[22]
  • Best Sufi Singer Award at Chandi Garh 2007.[23]
  • Sada-e-Sufi Award Ludhiana 2007.[24]
  • President of Pakistan Award for Pride of Performance (23 March 2006)[25][8][10]
  • Unique Award for Serving Punjabi Music 2013 (by Govt of Indian Punjab)
  • Nazakat Salamat Award by Sham Churasi Circle and PNCA (2014)
  • Muslim League Golden Jubilee Award for Best Services of Classical Music (19 March 1999)
  • Aetraf-e-Fun Award in Recognition of 40 Years Music Services, Multan (26 March 2000)
  • Aetraf-e-Husn-e-Karkardagi Award by Faran Homeopathic College and Sargodha Art Council (16 May 2015)
  • Best Music Judge Award, Inter-Collegiate Music Competition (1964)
  • Ameer Khushro Award in Pakistan Music Festival, Lahore (25 November 1979)
  • Punjab Youth Academy, Faisalabad Best Light Singer Award (1982)
  • Gliders Best Composer Award, Faisalabad (1984)
  • Pakistan Hilal-e-Ahmar Award (1985)
  • Aahang-e-Khusrovi Khaja Khursheed Anwar Gold Medal for Best Classical Singer (1987)
  • Awarded Gold Medal for the Best Services in the field of Classical Music (1990)
  • Gold Medal Easter Music Festival, Lahore (10 April 1979)
  • Best Classical Singer Award by Bishop of Pakistan, Jonathan Rehmat and Eugene John (2 April 2009)
  • Ameer Khusro Award by Melody Festival (2012)
  • Husn-e-Karkardagi Award (16 January 2005)
  • Best Singer Award by IGM, Lahore (2002)
  • Best Keertankar Award by Chief Adviser Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Balbeer Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Jaswant Singh (16 May 2007)
  • Sada-e-Sufi Award, Ludhiana (21 May 2007)

Dabistan-e-Khusru Badar uz Zaman Music School

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A unique award for Badar uz Zaman is that Pakistan's first-ever music academy has been named after him. Describing him as a 'legendary musician' of the country, the Jadeed Foundation named their music school after him as a living legend.[26]

Zaman's contributions toward the preservation and promotion of classical music in Pakistan and sole entity representing Kasur Gharana are recognised all over the Indian subcontinent.[27]

References

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  1. ^ Renowned classical singer Ustad Badar-uz-Zaman passes away in Lahore
  2. ^ a b c d "Pak maestros call for cultural exchange policy (scroll down to read this title)", The Tribune (Indian newspaper), 15 February 2008, archived from the original on 5 December 2021, retrieved 5 January 2021
  3. ^ a b Montanaro, Marina (21 May 2007). "Hard work and training is a must, City sways to Sufi music: Singers from Pakistan delight Ludhianvis". Express India. see Sufi News website. Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  4. ^ University of the Punjab "Pakistani Music History". Pakistan Music History website. 14 August 1948. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  5. ^ "(University of the Punjab) PU Music Department holds recital performance: 04/05/2012". Punjab University website. 4 May 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  6. ^ "An effort to project Pakistan's soft image (with music)". Dawn (newspaper). 9 October 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  7. ^ "(12 April 2007) All Pakistan Music Conference". All Pakistan Music Conference website. Archived from the original on 10 June 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  8. ^ a b Usman, Ali (14 February 2011). "Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrested… – The Express Tribune (newspaper)". Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Some in Pak see Khan's detention due to his Bollywood success". Deccan Herald (newspaper). 15 February 2011. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Young classical singers look for opportunities – The Express Tribune (newspaper)". 14 October 2010. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  11. ^ "Renowned classical singer Ustad Badar-uz-Zaman passes away in Lahore". Radio Pakistan. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  12. ^ "Music Books, Niva-E-Mosiqi, Rare Raags, Research And Learning Book on Indian Classical Music". Pak92.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  13. ^ "MUSIC BOOKS, NIVA-E-MOSIQI,RARE RAAGS,RESEARCH AND LEARNING BOOK ON INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC". Lahore website. 7 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  14. ^ "Forms & philosophy of classical music". Daily Times (newspaper). Archived from the original on 30 July 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  15. ^ "Pak musician seeks longer visa for India". punjabnewsline.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  16. ^ "New Page 1". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  17. ^ Twelfth Graduate Award, By Munir Ahmed, Daily Jang, 17 December 1974, Thirteenth Graduate Award By Saleem Aijaz 23 December 1975
  18. ^ PTV Announces Awards by Sayed Mansoor Bukhari Nawa-i-Waqt 20 November 1982
  19. ^ A ceremony to Remember Kh. Khurshid Anwar the Musician by, Haroon Rasheed Tabasum Akhbar-e-Jahan 15–21 November 1988
  20. ^ Music Discovers new methods of survival by Vijay Sharma The Times of India 3 April 1992
  21. ^ Badar and Qamar's art recognized by Akbar Saeed Bukhari Daily Express 15 August 1999
  22. ^ Knowing our Musicians by M Saeed Malik The Nation 6 October 2001
  23. ^ Words Comes Alive by Minna Zutshi Hindustan Times 21 May 2007
  24. ^ City Sways to Sufi music by Express-News serviceExpress India 23 May 2007
  25. ^ "President confers 192 civilian awards". Dawn (newspaper). 14 August 2005. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  26. ^ Agha, Saira (24 April 2011). "Our first music academy 'Dabistan-e-Khusro Badar-uz-Zaman' comes to town!". Daily Times (newspaper). Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  27. ^ "Friday Review Delhi / Music : The same old joy of bandishes". The Hindu. 12 May 2006. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
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