Iqbal Bahu (Urdu: اقبال باہو; 4 September 1944 – 24 March 2012) was a Pakistani sufi and a folk singer.[1][2]
Muhammad Iqbal Bahu | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 September 1944 |
| Died | 24 March 2012 (aged 67) |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1964 – 2012 |
| Known for | Folk, ghazal |
| Awards | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2008 |
Early life and career edit
Iqbal Bahu was born as Muhammad Iqbal in Gurdaspur, British India in 1944.[1][2] His family migrated to Pakistan after partition in 1947, and settled in Lahore. Iqbal started his career as a banker. He worked for National Bank of Pakistan from 1971 to 1997, but his singing in Sufi music brought him fame and recognition. Bahu started his singing career in 1964 from Radio Pakistan, Lahore. He was introduced to Radio by Muhammad Azam Khan, former chief controller Radio Pakistan. His involvement in the mysticism of the 17th century well-known Sufi saint Sultan Bahu made him add Bahu to his name.[1]
He held a special command in Punjabi language poetry of Sufi tradition and included works of other saints such as Fariduddin Ganjshakar in his repertoire. In the beginning, he sang mainly for Radio Pakistan and then later for Pakistan Television. Playwright Amjad Islam Amjad also created a small role for Bahu in drama serial Waris. He mastered the Sufi tradition of well-known saint Sultan Bahu. He sang many Sufi songs for Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television.[2]
He also gave concert performances around the globe in his later life including at BBC Bush House, London in 1992.[1] He was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2008.[3]
Death edit
Bahu died on 24 March 2012 due to a heart attack in Lahore at age 68 and was laid to rest at Miani Sahib Graveyard, Lahore next day. Among the survivors were his wife, 3 daughters and 2 sons.[1]
Awards edit
- Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) Award in 2008 by the Government of Pakistan[3][2]
- Sultan Bahu Award[4]
- PTV Award[4]
- Graduate Award
- Baba Fareed Award[4]
- Hazrat Sultan Bahoo Award
- International Sufi Festival Award[4]
- Red Crescent Award
- Kalam-e-Bahoo Award
- Herf-O-Awaz Award
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Arif Waqar (24 March 2012). "Folk artist Iqbal Bahu passes away (original in Urdu language translated into English)". BBC News website. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Iqbal Bahu dies". Dawn newspaper. 24 March 2012. Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ a b Sufi singer Bahu dies The Nation newspaper, Published 25 March 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2024
- ^ a b c d "Musical evening". The Nation newspaper. 23 May 2011. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
External links edit
- A delightful confluence of cultures – The Chandigarh Tribune newspaper
- Sufi singer Iqbal Bahu passes away on Academy of the Punjab in North America - Archived