Hailing from a long line of legendary qawwals, Amjad Fareed Sabri has inherited the art and charm of his father Ghulam Fareed Sabri- a qawwali extraordinaire himself and nephew of iconic Maqbool Sabri who passed away in 2011.
Amjad Sabri was tragically shot dead today in Karachi was keeping the family tradition alive and was one of the most sought-after qawwals of the country.
A man with international fame, his voice was rich with the emotion of a faithful devotee.
Maqbool Sabri along with his brother, the late Ghulam Farid Sabri, formed a formidable qawwali group in the mid-50s and became known for their soul-stirring renditions of arifana kalam (mystic poetry).
They were equally well-versed in compositions made in the Persian language and sang Nami Danam Che Manzil Bood with equal ease and facility. The brothers’ rendition of Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s kalam was one of their marked areas of excellence.
Almost whatever the Sabri brothers song became an instant hit. But some of their most memorable and famous qawwalis were Bhar Do Jholi Meri, Tajdar-e-Haram and Mera Koi Nahin Hai Teray Siwa.
Amjad Sabri born on December 23, 1976, had started to learn qawwali at the tender age of nine years from the best teacher under the sun, his own father.
A musical prodigy, he joined his father on stage to perform at the age of 12 years and people fell in love with him. That was back in 1988, and since then, he has been one of the most acclaimed sufi singers in the subcontinent, having performed across the world.
Celebrities, fans took to social media remembering the veteran singer:
Just heard that legendary Qawal Amjad Sabri has passed away in target killing. Just can’t believe it.
Heart-wrenching.. deeply saddened 2 know abt the assassination of renowned Qawal Amjad Sabri sb.. V lost a beautiful voice & a human being..
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 22, 2016
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) June 22, 2016
Tragic loss of great talent #AmjadSabri Deepest condolences to his family, may Allah rest him in peace. Killers must be apprehended ASAP.
— Naz Baloch (@NazBalochPTI) June 22, 2016
Amjad Sabri had submitted an application for protection as per his family but Home department did NOTHING…Shameful & disgusting
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) June 22, 2016
Oh Allah please take all our incompetent politicians & govt servants away & give us back an innocent kind Amjad Sabri back. Ameen
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) June 22, 2016
Shocked at the murder of famous qawwal Amjad Sabri & his companions in Karachi. A complete failure of law & order & writ of the govt.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 22, 2016
Few days back he was on air in the sehri transmission for his son’s roza khushai.. I cant get his sons face outa my head RIP #AmjadSabri
— Hiraa Fatima (@fatima_hira) June 22, 2016
Anchor on ATV sharing how #AmjadSabri was planning to go on ziarat and to Madina. Says he had childlike happiness about this a day ago.
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) June 22, 2016
Sar de ke rah-e-haq me shahaadat khareed li….. #AmjadSabri We want justice. How many years it takes to produce talent like this. Huge loss
— Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) June 22, 2016
Pakistan’s music has been silenced. Rest in peace Amjad Sabri.
— Dr. Taimur Rahman (@Taimur_Laal) June 22, 2016
#AmjadSabri the son of the great #Sabri Brothers @AliHZaidiPTI ab kon bachey ga Lanat on #Takfiri #Deobandi klillers pic.twitter.com/gQt5awlwKW
— Ali Taj (@AliAbbasTaj) June 22, 2016