Nadeem Salamat began the three day music workshop in Al Hamra on Wednesday, December 14, discussing and demonstrating the basics of South Asian music, and its modern twist in recent times. The theme of the workshop was the promotion, projection and establishmenet of the classical and semi-classical, sufi and contemporary music through lectures, practical demonstrations, teaching and singing. Its objective is to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of music for the region. “Music has 12 taals,” said Salamat in his lecture.
“There is no basic difference between Western or Eastern music because the basis of music will always be 12 taals, or notes.” He said that though there were fused compositions appearing in the music industry today, it was without doubt Allan fakir who sang the first fusion folk song in the history of Pakistan, and Ghulam Fareed Sabri who sang the first fusion qawwali. “Music is a natural phenomenon that human beings cannot live without,” he said.
“There are many who feel that it quenches the spiritual thirst but I don’t take it that way. I think it is essential for life.” The music workshop will continue till December 16, 2011.
