Fragrance of Afghanistan in Malaysia

“Artists are like magicians, whose tricks of music beats accompanied by soulful lyrics and harmonized by
melodies touch their listeners in one way; however, music represents virtues and life-story of the very artists in other way,” recited elegiacally the host of 9^th Ariana Television Network’s Music Awards 2015.

From Prophet Sulaiman hymning to birds for sending messages to Bilal’s resonant call to prayer, each reverberated innate ability blessed by the Creator for special purposes. It was Prophet Sulaiman’s miraculous vocal dragging birds & animals cogently under his realm; it was over-powering Adhan of a slave-turned-first muezzin enthralling the preachers and non-preachers of his infinite lord. Moreover, not has the world forgotten ever-repeated rhyme of Jesus Christ, “I say unto you…”; Homer’s Iliad about Trojan war or the story of Odysseus in the Odyssey, which echo over the history how harmony of words and melody shape destiny of nations.

Take any religion, poetry in writing or in recitation has been used for therapy against rage, anger, disease
or a source of recreation. So did Pythagoras accentuate about the therapeutic essence of music in his theory of music. This reminds me of a story our 8^th grade teacher shared about Pythagoras’ learning about relation of number with musical notes while passing by a blacksmith. From the heart-wrenching tones of Greek lyre to profound notes of Turkish Tanbur; from the profound range of Egyptian Arghul to the delightful sound of Arabic drum, each had synchronized to recite during worship in temples, to glorify the kings of palaces and to incite the knights at the battlefields.

Whereas, the music of Afghanistan has been influenced by the Arabic, Persian, Indian and Chinese flavors due to its location on the trade routes. Afghan music and artists were recognized if not globally but regionally, the least. Our national instrument “Rubab” has added to the symphony of musicians across the region especially in Pakistan, Iran, Middle East and the Central Asia. During Taliban regime, music was banned while audio-cassettes and records were set on fire which was believed to menace Islam. However, after the establishment of Afghan democratic government, traditional and modern music has seen unprecedented means of entertainment through country-wide FM radio channels, TV music shows and national music contests.

Each year, the Afghans within and across the border participate in Afghan Star and The Afghan Voice encouraging young artists and promoting music flavors across the country. Apart from entertainment, music industry is source of income for artists, private companies and entrepreneurs; moreover, emergence of female singers is evident to practice of democracy and women’s rights – though in the least form.

The event was my Eid, Nowroz & festivals I missed in 13 months

Ariana TV channel was celebrating 9^th Arian Television Music Awards in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, how would I miss the event where artists of such stature Ustad Arman, International acclaimed Farhad Darya, the charismatic Naghma, Mozdha and Farzana Naz and the young music icons, “Tawab Arash, Shehzad Adil, Valy and Sediq Shubab”? Hypnotic with high-fives, my room-mate and I got off studying momentum upon a message showing ticket availability. How we got the ticket is another story but it ended in good.

Personally, I had double excitement with the fact I was meeting students from Afghanistan and Hazaras
from Pakistan and Iran. For 13 long months, I accompanied myself at times of joy and awful solitary. The award show’s kick start was awe-opening if not for others for me with many reasons. The stage showcased modern image of Afghanistan, the background music blew my ears with tasteful local tones while the audiences looked like people in my neighborhood who I would greet with single, “Hi” when encountered. Whereas, the video-clip’s images of burqa-women, long-beard-half face-covered AK 47 holding jihadists, wreckage of cultural heritage followed by US invasion and Afghan Parliamentarian elections lighting the revival of music, sports, festivals, freedom of speech, development and women’s rights depicted the story from plight to hopes of better Afghanistan.

The speeches by the elegant anchor and flamboyant artists favored the rebirth of modern music of Afghanistan with the spirit of reviving local culture and orchestrating contemporary genres. The performances mesmerized each spectator who chanted on best lines, danced with the beats and clapped joyfully when failed to dance. And the awards distributions brought tears and in the eyes and smiles on the faces of the winners. I share some of the highlights and my experiences/ learning of the show which shall be regarded my personal view but not general:

The highlights:

§ The show started with, “No to War” theme

§ While thanking Afghan students studying in Malaysia for coming to the show, the entire music fraternity stood in respect, which was the biggest highlight for individuals like me

§The performances represented all genres: be it Farhad Darya’s local tale Koh Nazari, Seti Qasimi’s ecclesiastic Ya Maula, Valy’s admiration for scenic beauty of Panjshir, Shehzad Adil’s ever-patriotic or the sensational 143’s rap song.

§ With tune produced from three strings of Sitar harmonized by Ustad Shaida’s expressive classic vocal in background, Ustad Arman received Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of late Ustad Shaida. He is part of history but his songs still govern the hearts of his music lovers.

§ From a male chauvinist country, survival in showbiz industry is utter daydream for female artists let alone fame and glory. On the contrary, young female artists won the show in both performances and the awards. Who doubts women’s rights violations and inequalities? Watch the show yourself!

§ The young generation of artists represent modern and liberal image eliminating AK47 picture of Afghanistan. Surely, shows likewise helps promote the image at large.

§ Special appearances by Shabnam Suraya (Tajekistan) and Andy (Iran) while receiving Special Testimonial from Ariana Television Network for coordination with Afghan artists

Learning experience:

Learnt Ariana Television Network stands alone in telecasting and promoting Afghan only music than of those from other countries. On limited channels Indian, Turkish and Iranian serials dominate while their music has great fans across the country. Apart from dubbing business, these serials and music leave no cultural, spiritual or educational influence. However, with limited actors and artists, the people of Afghanistan deserve all sorts of entertainment even flowing from across the borders.

I wonder at people’s resistance to showing their joy – why would you not show your insanity by dancing, singing along with the artists and sitting crossed legs like you are in movie hall? Come on, it’s live show; be part of it anyway.

Standing ovation is common practice from President Speech to receiving Academy Award; whereas, not do many Afghans encourage and practice it. Maybe, our artists don’t meet the caliber of Hollywood or it’s the Afghan ego thing. To my surprise, I found myself abandoned to shout back with joy when the artists stood upon introduction of Afghan students – my anger expired inside for the night but never does my curiosity!

For the sake of glamour, we shall not follow the footsteps of neighboring countries, whose shows represent Hollywood stylized glamour in many ways but also promote local culture. I expected local performances or costumes from all major ethnics but each time wardrobe of extras dazed me. Let’s create and promote our own identity in modern way.

I need to have backup camera/ cell phone to avoid losing all photos with artists in a lifetime opportunity. Those smart enough tricked the guards were not kind enough to take our photos. I have it on my list for future shows.