Karachi: The 31st death anniversary of Ghulam Farid Sabri, an iconic figure in the world of Qawwali music, is being commemorated today. Fans and colleagues are honoring his impactful contributions to the musical genre and his enduring legacy.

Ghulam Farid Sabri was born in 1930 in Rohtak, a village in Indian Punjab. He migrated to Karachi following the partition. His musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, Inayat Sabri, who was also an accomplished musician in his own right.

At the young age of 16, Ghulam Farid gave his first public performance at the Urs of Mubarak Shah in Kalyana, India. This marked the beginning of what would become a prolific career in Qawwali music.

Upon settling in Karachi, Ghulam Farid joined forces with his brother Maqbool to form the Sabri Brothers. Together, they introduced a distinct and raw style of Qawwali to the Pakistani music scene.

The Sabri Brothers’ careers gained momentum with the release of Ghulam Farid’s 1958 Qawwali, ‘Mera Koi Nahin Hai Tere Siwa’. This was followed by a series of successful performances, including notable Qawwalis such as “Bhardo Jholi Meri Ya Muhammad” and “Taajdar-e-Haram.”

Ghulam Farid Sabri passed away on April 5, 1994, due to a heart attack. His son, Amjad Farid Sabri, carried on the family tradition until his own untimely death in 2016.

The commemoration of Ghulam Farid Sabri’s death anniversary serves as a reminder of his significant influence on Qawwali music, as his work continues to inspire audiences worldwide.