Happy 71st birthday ‘Queen of Sufi Music’ Abida Parveen

WEB DESK: Sufi singer and a legendary figure of Pakistan’s music, Abida Parveen, celebrates her 71st birthday today.

Born on February 20, 1954 in Larkana, Sindh, Abida Parveen inherited her melodious skills from her father, Ustad Ghulam Hyder. Her early music learnings came from her father, who had an illustrious career as a musician himself. She started performing at the shrines of saints with her father. Historical accounts say that due to her musical talent she was chosen above her two brothers as the ‘musical heir’ of the family.

Unsurprisingly, soon after her voice began to catch attention from musicians and music producers alike, and it became only a matter of time for Abida Parveen to emerge on the national Sufi music scene. In 1977, Radio Pakistan announced Abida Parveen as an official singer. But the actual music journey of the “Queen of Sufi Music” began in the late eighties.

In 1988, she performed in Chicago which was recorded and converted into an LP by the Hazrat Amir Khusrau Society of Art and Culture. One year later, she sang at London’s Wembley Conference Centre which was broadcast on the BBC. Since then, nothing has stood in the way of her extraordinary journey.

Her contributions to music have received numerous accolades over the years, including the Pride of Performance Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award and Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

In addition to her music, her distinctive attire has also become a style statement. Her personalised brand of comfort and simplicity, compared with a coat for colder weather, and almost always accompanied with a Sindhi ajrak has become synonymous with the tranquil and ethereal spirit of Sufism.

On her 71st birthday, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the Queen of Sufi Music, Abida Parveen. Happy Birthday!