Khumariyaan: Celebrating Pashto Folk Music and Culture

Khumariyaan: Guardians of Pashto Culture

Khumariyaan, a renowned music band from Pakistan, is celebrated for blending traditional folk music with modern styles. The band's name, translating to "the state of intoxication from music," captures the essence of their music, mesmerizing and captivating listeners.

INTRODUCTION

FORMATION AND EARLY DAYS

Formed in 2009 in Peshawar, Pakistan, Khumariyaan emerged during a tumultuous period marked by Talibanization, sectarian violence, military operations, and neo-imperialist expansions. In such a climate, art, including music, served as a form of resistance. The band's mission is to use native music, infused with elements from other world music traditions, to enlighten and inspire the educated youth of Pakistan.

Focused on elevating music as a medium of peace and breaking away from the South Asian tradition of vocal-based music, Khumariyaan composes with minimal vocal fragments to enhance the overall harmony. The group of musicians shares a vision of experiencing the trance of live, acoustic music, believing it is the highest form of art, leaving its interpretation to the audience. Their journey aims to evoke musical ‘goose bumps’ and provide a moving philosophical experience.

BAND MEMBERS

Farhan Bogra Founder, plays various ethnic lutes like the Rabab and Shetar.

Spralay Rawail: Plays Dhool and Lead guitar. Has a background in studio art and architecture from the National Council of the Arts..

Obaid Khan: Vocalist who complements the band's instrumental music. Holds a master's degree in Anthropology.

Shiraz Khan: Specializes in percussion and plays the indigenous percussion instrument Zerbaghali

Aamer Shafiq: Plays the guitar and performs Attan dance with the band

Music Festivals and Notable Venues

Khumariyaan has performed at various prestigious national and international music festivals, earning acclaim for their energetic and enthralling performances. Few of notable appearances include:

DeV Peace Fest, Chandigarh India 2009
CenterStage US 2014 (Performed in 12 states in USA)
SXSW (South by Southwest),2015 Austin, Texas: The only band from KP to perform at this world-renowned music festival.
Alchemy Festival 2017, Southbank Centre, UK.
Opportunity Collaboration, Cancun Mexico 2017
US Embassy in Ireland 2017.
Islamic Irish music, Dublin Ireland, 2018
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris France, 2018
Convention Center Bangkok, Thailand, 2018
Dubai Expo 2020 Millennium Stage.
The Creatives Bhaag Festivals of East Africa 2022 and 2023: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zanzibar.
MAMF 2023 Music Festival, South Korea.
The Trade show, Egypt Cairo 2024
Riyadh Season 2024, Saudi Arabia

Awards and Recognition: Khumariyaan has received multiple awards and nominations, recognizing their efforts in preserving and innovating traditional music. Some notable accolades include

Express Tribune Song of the Year 2016.
Lux Style Award 2018 for Best Song of the Year: The only band from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to win this award.
Indus Music Award: For their extraordinary performance.
Fakhar-e-Peshawar Award 2019: For their exceptional role in promoting folk art and music instruments around the globe.

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

Khumariyaan band serves as goodwill ambassadors for WWF Pakistan, an organization dedicated to preserving nature. Their commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through their active participation in tree plantation initiatives organized by WWF. By engaging in these activities, Khumariyaan raises awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and inspires their fans and the community to take action. The band uses its platform to promote eco-friendly practices and emphasize the need for collective efforts in combating environmental challenges. Their collaboration with WWF Pakistan highlights the powerful role of art and music in driving social change, and encouraging a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. Through their efforts, Khumariyaan aims to make a lasting impact, fostering a greener future for future generations.

SHAHEED HAROON ACADEMY- kindlingsmiles

Khumariyaan are exemplary ambassadors for the Kindling Smile organization, an international initiative dedicated to uplifting communities. They proudly support the Shaheed Haroon Academy in Peshawar, which offers high-quality education to underprivileged students. This initiative is a significant step forward for society and Pakistan, as education is vital for progress. The academy provides free food, books, stationery, and a top-notch learning environment for students living below the poverty line. Mr. Shakeel Rehman, the CEO of this school, founded the organization in memory of his son, Haroon, a bright student who has passed away. Haroon's legacy inspires the academy's mission to empower young minds, ensuring that those in need have access to opportunities that can change their lives.

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