Amjad Sabri

Amjad Farid Sabri was a prominent Pakistani qawwali singer and a dedicated proponent of the Sufi Muslim tradition. He gained widespread fame across South Asia before his life was tragically cut short by terrorists in Karachi. The singer remained a celebrated figure in the musical landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

Early life and education

Amjad Sabri was born in Karachi, Sindh, on 23 December 1976. He grew up within a musical lineage as the son of Ghulam Farid Sabri and the nephew of Maqbool Ahmed Sabri. These men were members of the renowned Sabri Brothers. At age nine, he began his formal training in qawwali music under the guidance of his father.

His education required intense discipline and early hours. His father trained him in Raag Bhairon, which is a musical mode practiced during the early morning. To complete this training, Sabri had to wake up in the middle of the night. After performing tahajjud, he would practice the baja.

Career

Sabri's professional journey began in childhood. He appeared alongside his father and uncle in the 1982 Pakistani film Saharay when he was only 6 years old. In that production, his family recited the qawwali Tajdar-e-Haram, while Amjad recited Allama Iqbal's poem Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua. During these early years, he primarily served in the chorus and clapped for the Sabri Brothers band.

He later transitioned into more active musical roles. After his father passed away, Maqbool Ahmed Sabri led the group while Amjad served as a supporting vocalist and played the Bongos. In 1996, he established his own group consisting of his brothers and friends. His debut album, Balaghal Ola Be Kamalehi, was released by Oriental Star Agencies in 1997. This record featured the qawwali Sar E La Makan Se Talab Hui.

The singer eventually moved beyond family classics to include his own compositions. He produced several hit qawwalis, such as Ali Ke Sath Hai Zehra Ki Shaadi and Na Poochiye Ke Kya Hussain Hai. His most popular song was the Naat Karam Maangta Hoon. He also contributed to the 2008 Hindi film Halla Bol by performing the song More Haji Piya.

His discography includes various works like Allah Allah, Dhoom Macha Do, and Kaabe Ki Raunaq. His final Naat was titled Aye Sabz Gumbad Wale. One of his last major musical projects occurred on Coke Studio (Pakistan). He performed the qawwali "Aaj Rang Hai" with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan during Season 9, Episode 7.

On 22 June 2016, two motorcyclists opened fire on Sabri's car in Liaquatabad Town, Karachi. This attack occurred after he finished a morning television show. He was shot twice in the head and once in the ear. He died at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital following the assault. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the assassination, citing blasphemy as their motive.

Personal life

Friends and family described Sabri as a warm, affable person who frequently smiled. He enjoyed playing board games and had a tendency to play pranks. In 2002, he married his wife, Nadia, after being introduced through mutual friends. The couple had five children together.

Despite his global fame, he remained a devoted family man. He often felt homesick while traveling abroad and preferred spending time with his wife and children. He chose to live in his humble Liaqatabad residence rather than moving to an affluent area. This decision stemmed from his spiritual association with the home built by his father.

Awards and recognition

In 2018, President Mamnoon Hussain posthumously awarded Sabri the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. This honor is the third highest civilian award in Pakistan. His musical influence also reached international pop culture when his voice was featured in the track "Church" on Coldplay's 2019 album, Everyday Life.