Lok Virsa digitises its musical archives

ISLAMABAD: In a thrilling announcement for music aficionados worldwide, Lok Virsa, officially known as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, has embarked on a process of digitising its musical archives.

This exciting development, revealed by Salman Sufi, the head of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, on August 8, is set to bring a treasure trove of Pakistan’s musical legends to screens across the globe.

A wonderful day for Pakistan’s music

Treasure trove archives of Legendary Pakistani musicians from Lok Virsa have been digitized & launched

Music lovers worldwide now have access to the collection at following links

1. https://t.co/mQ7vhR5EeS

2. https://t.co/nyqJs8Qylb pic.twitter.com/ecz30OfP0P

— Salman Sufi (Get New Covid Booster Today) (@SalmanSufi7) August 8, 2023

In a video message shared on social media, Sufi emphasized the significance of music as the heartbeat of society, crediting Pakistani artists for crafting an enchanting realm of melodies that resonate internationally.

The digitized archives, now accessible on YouTube and the Lok Virsa website, open up a window into the country’s rich musical heritage.

“We invite you to explore the Lok Virsa archives, an institution that has nurtured artists from the 1970s to the present day,” Sufi said.

“These original recordings, once available only on VHS and in analogue formats, are now at your fingertips.”

This marks the first instance of Pakistan’s folk musical treasures being showcased on these digital platforms.

Among the legendary artists featured in the Lok Virsa archives are Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, Ghulam Ali, Iqbal Bano, Mansoor Malangi, Tufail Niazi, Farida Khanum, Pathany Khan, and Ustad Salamat Ali.

With over 50,000 songs, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses set to be gradually uploaded, this initiative is a step towards making Pakistani music accessible to a global audience while ensuring its copyright protection.

“This project is not only about sharing our phenomenal music with the world but also about preserving our artists’ legacies,” Sufi declared.

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