PESHAWAR: The lone theatre of the provincial capital, Nishtar Hall, echoed with melodious unique genre of Pashto music, Tappa, after a long time.
The entertainment-starved audience enjoyed the live music show as part of the hunt for talent arranged by the Directorate of Culture, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.It was the third programme of the music competition series on Saturdaynight as two such shows were earlier held in Mardan and Abbottabad.
The Culture Directorate launched a series of competitions in a bid to hunt talent in the field of music deserve appreciation as it would not only encourage the young talent but also promote art and culture.
Popularity of the competition titled “Ya Qurban” could be gauged from the enthusiasm of music lovers who turned up at the show in large number. They included singers, artistes, literary figures and officials of the Tourism and Culture Department.
Among the audience were Additional Secretary Sports, Tourism and Culture Muhammad Tariq, Director Culture Abdul Basit and Deputy Director Ajmal Khan.A total of 140 people participated in the music competition in Pashto and Hindko languages.
The contest was meant to promote regional and local languages and search for new talent. Noted Pashto folk singer Ahmad Gul Ustad lauded the government endeavour to promote art and culture in the province and encourage the artistes. He expressed happiness over arranging a music competition.
Though senior female singers participation was not so good, yet the participation of budding singers like Samina Khan and Pari Shehzadi filled the gap. They termed the event a good omen to encourage young artistes and revive cultural activities that had been affected due to militancy for the last many years.
“It is a moment of joy for me to see that art and culture is getting attention. Such a singing competition will not only promote the art and culture but also encourage the young talent,” said Shehzadi.
In Pashto
competition, Janan clinched the first position and was given Rs100,000 cash and Kishwar Sultan Award.Muhammad Ishaq and Liaqat Ali got second and 3rd positions, and were given Rs75,000 and Rs50,000 awards, respectively.
In Hindko, Shahid Ali Khan grabbed the first position, winning Rs100,000 cash and Inayat Ali Sultani Award.Adnan and Ghulam Abbas got second and 3rd positions, with cash awards of Rs75,000 and Rs50,000, respectively.
Noted writer and poet Abaseen Yousazai had written the theme of the competition.Known musician Khalid Malik Haider, a former PTV programme manager Shaukat Ali and ex-director Radio Pakistan Nisar Muhammad Khan performed as judges.
Earlier, the “Ya Qurban” music competitions were held in Mardan and Abbottabad, where the winners were awarded with cash and souvenirs.The music competitions will be held at all divisions of the province.
Another programme of the culture department is set to be launched under which Rs30,000 per month stipend would be given to the deserving artistes on merit, which shows the government endeavours to promote art and culture and encourage artistes.