Echoes of Balochistan: Ustad Noor Bakhsh and His Enduring Art

Ustad Noor Bakhsh, a name synonymous with the evocative and intricate sounds of Balochistan, has become an emblematic figure in the world of traditional Pakistani music. Known for his mastery of the Zither— a two-stringed instrument native to the Baloch people—Ustad Noor Bakhsh has spent a lifetime nurturing and preserving Balochi folk music. His music resonates with the cultural identity of his homeland. Carrying the weight of history, tradition and personal hardship, Bakhsh has been pursuing his destined endeavor for decades. Over the years, he has captivated local and international audiences, earning him recognition as one of the foremost guardians of Balochi music.

Noor Bakhsh was born in the remote, sun-drenched landscape of Pasni, a city and a fishing port in Balochistan, Pakistan. Bakhsh's early years were marked by its simplicity and hardship. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest yet most underdeveloped province. It is home to fiercely proud people with a deep-rooted connection to their land and culture. For many like Noor Bakhsh, life in this part of the country has traditionally revolved around subsistence, with limited opportunities for education and development. Yet, amidst these challenges, the region has always been holy ground for music —a primordial 'language' through which the Baloch people express their joys, sorrows, and aspirations.

From a young age, the Pakistani virtuoso Ustad Noor Bakhsh found his solace in music. Noor spent the early part of his life as a nomadic shepherd with his musician father. He took care of his livestock and indulged in soaking musical knowledge into his soul while looking over the herd. Raised in a modest family, his environment provided little when it came to formal musical education. So instead, he was immersed in the folk traditions of his community.

Growing up in this arid and secluded region sans the touch of modernity, the Balochi Benjo became his calling. Bakhsh's dedication to mastering this ancient—and now staple—instrument was unyielding, despite his adverse surroundings and the economic struggles that plagued him, his family and his people. In Balochistan's cultural heritage, the Benju is regarded as a significant instrument. Rich overtones and mesmerizing timbre of benju have become an inseparable part of the folk music in this as well as the Sindhi region. Its origin can be traced back to Japan. Historically, the benju, a key-fitted Zither, was brought to the coastal area of Baloch by Japanese sailors, as per the local lore. This instrument arrived as the taishogoto, or nagoya harp, a children’s toy. Having been nurtured in this region, it evolved into the present form with keys and a more resonant body.

Bakhsh picked up benjo at the age of twelve. In the hands of a master like Ustad Noor Bakhsh, benju became an instrument of immense emotional depth and complexity. His melodies centred around themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of rural life. What sets Bakhsh apart is his ability to infuse these age-old tunes with a modern sensibility. Those who heard him play, it was readily apparent that his talent transcended the confines of his circumstances.

At the heart of Noor Bakhsh's music is a gateway to the rich cultural and historical fabric of Balochistan. In its own way, Balochi music has adopted elements from other traditions such as African percussive elements and rhythmic patterns. The ragas and talas from Sindh and Indian classical music have also seeped into the Balochi sonic palette. Bakhsh's compositions encapsulate all of these and on top of that, those draw inspiration from nature, especially birdsong—even his debut album was named after a bird. His playing is meditative and trance-inducing. With repetitive rhythmic patterns and ornamentation, he mimics the natural cadence of life in Balochistan.

Ustad Noor Bakhsh's journey to becoming a globally celebrated artist was a slow, persistent climb. His prominence in the local music scene started rising, as he started performing at weddings, community gatherings, and local festivals. These performances played a pivotal role in his style and musical identity. As his reputation grew, so did the demand for his music. By the age of 15, he began accompanying famous Baluch singer Sabzal Sami. During the 30 years of his accompaniment, he played with other vocalists and did solo shows as well. But, he did not want to stay in Quetta,Balochistan capital, and moved to a village near Pasni.In Pasni, Bakhsh once again dedicated himself to his instrument. But, the tragic death of his wife and two young sons befell upon him.Bakhsh pushed himself and his artistic self through this tragedy and inner turmoil.

Noor Bakhsh was a local legend in his native Baluchistan for decades. Taking into account his virtuosic mastery on his instrument and Balochi music, gaining international recognition was long overdue. Eventually, it happened. Heidelberg-educated anthropologist, Daniyal Ahmed catapulted Bakhsh into the global stage. Daniyal found him through videos which have been widely circulated on social media for the past few years. Daniyal didn't have any address or exact location, yet he set out to find this artist— who has moved him with authentic Balochi music— following a few leads that he had.

Daniyal was won over by Bakhsh's music and his personality. The days Daniyal spent with Bakhsh during this time was documented and released as Finding Noor. Through that documentary, the world came to know who Ustad Noor bakhsh is.

Daniyal wanted to bridge the gap between Bakhsh and audiences outside of Pakistan. Daniyal himself said that Bakhsh's rhythmic playing is similar to West African music; moreover, the electric benju somewhat resembles an electric guitar. This led to his belief that Bakhsh's music will be accessible to global audiences. That's exactly what happened. After the release of Daniyal's video in the social media, Bakhsh and his music was featured in national and international media platforms. Eventually, in September Ahmed released his recordings in an album titled “Jingul" and one of the tracks received critical acclaim from the U.S. music publication Pitchfork.

In the following years, Bakhsh performed in Karachi, Pakistan's capital and many European countries such as Germany and Denmark with his companions Doshambay and Jamadar Guahram, with their damburag. With the release of each of the recordings of their performance on their debut European tour, Bakhsh and his musical heritage captivated the whole world. The duo even performed in the Roskilde festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe.

Ustad Noor Baksh's story will always be marked as a story of unwavering commitment to one's cultural roots. He has nurtured the rich musical traditions of Balochistan alive within himself. In doing so, he opened a gateway for a global audience. As he continues to perform and share his art with the world, Ustad Noor Baksh remains a symbol of his tradition. His work and indomitable spirit will stand the test of time and preserve the unique heritage of Balochistan.