Classical music is something evergreen, whenever we listen to it, we are entranced. On an international level, our artists are renowned and applauded for their work. Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi is one of the stars keeping the soul and tradition of classical alive. Read about his journey and achievements and scroll down to relive the charm of classical music
Who Is Ustad Niazi?
Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana. He is the grandson of late Padma Bhushan Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan, the first recipient of the Padma Bhushan & Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Ustad Ji is the son of late Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan, who himself was a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist.
Ustad Ji specializes in
Initiated into music from the age of nine years, Ustad Ji was groomed under the worthy guidance of his father. He was passed all the major qualities of the gharana to him in the typical traditional style of Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.
Ustad Ji is skilled in ‘Khayal Gayaki’, which highlights the systemic Badhat of the Raaga and graceful Taans. Apart from Khayal Gayaki, Ustad Ji has equal and full command over semi-classical and light vocals as well.
Performances till date
Ustad Ji has been performing in this field for the last three decades, all over India and abroad – particularly in South-East Asian countries. He has shared the stage and performed with many legendary artists, such as Grammy Nominee, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Ustad Tafu Khan. He’s also shared the stage with late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Tafu Khan, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, and many more.
Journey up till now
He’s been based in Hong Kong for well over two decades. Ustad Ji is also the Chairman of Padmabhushan Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan Association (PUMHKA). It’s established both in Hong Kong and India, in the memory of his grandfather and for the purpose of promoting Hindustani classical music. Also for providing an international platform to eminent as well as obscure artists, such as Grammy Nominee Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Pakistani Folk legend, Sitara-e-Imtiaz Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi & many more, through conducting music events and concerts.
Recognition
Niazi Ji has received numerous accolades and immense support from both the Consulate General of India (Hong Kong) & Consulate General of Pakistan (Hong Kong) as well for his dedication and efforts towards promoting rich Indian & Pakistani music in Hong Kong.
In addition to that, Ustad Ji also teaches Hindustani classical music, and has many students all over the world. Check out his performance of Bada Khyal and revive the true feeling of classical music!
Meet The Vocalist Keeping Pakistani Classical Music Alive
Perisha likes to think out of the box. Writing, arts and photography are her prime interests. “As a writer, I want to recognize the world through a different lens so that I can make the society more accepting.” Says Perisha
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