Mohammed Yousuf

Muhammad Yousuf was a Pakistani folk and playback singer who achieved immense popularity through his vocal talents. He performed in Sindhi, Urdu and Seraiki languages throughout his career.

Early life and education

Muhammad Yousuf was born on January 20, 1940, in Muhalla Din Ali Shah, Tiyoon Number Talau, Tando Tayeb Hyderabad, Sindh. His father, Laung Faqir Maganhar, worked as a Dholak Nawaz and Sharnai player. Because his father played the Dholak at Radio Pakistan Hyderabad, music was present in his household from birth.

He attended both Baar Sudhar School and Haji Seth Kamaluddin School in Hyderabad. Although he enrolled in these institutions, he lacked interest in formal education and left after passing 5 classes. He eventually joined the musical club of Bibo Khan to pursue his interests. His father later sent him to Tando Adam Khan to study under the noted singer Manzoor Ali Khan. He remained a student of Manzoor Ali Khan for approximately 13 years.

In 1951, a competition for new singers took place at Liaquat Medical College in Jamshoro. Provincial Minister Ali Muhammad Rashidi attended the event as the chief guest. Yousuf participated in this competition and secured first position. This achievement brought him significant appreciation and encouragement.

Career

Following his early success, he began singing at Radio Pakistan Karachi. When Radio Pakistan Hyderabad was established in 1955, he moved from Karachi back to his hometown of Hyderabad. He later transitioned into the film industry as a playback singer for Sindhi films.

His debut as a playback singer occurred with the film Shehro Feroz, which was released on 18 October 1968 in Karachi. The film was directed by Shaikh Hassan and featured music composed by Ghulam Ali. He became very popular in the film industry after singing his first playback lyric, "Rahat Milay Thi Dard Men, Man Piyar Tan Sadqay".

He continued to work as a playback singer for almost all Sindhi films released during the 1970s and 1980s. Throughout this period, he collaborated with famous singers such as Madam Noor Jahan and Abida Parveen. He also performed alongside Runa Laila.

His repertoire included the poetry of Sufi poets like Shah Abdul Latif, Sachal Sarmast and Misri Shah. He took his music to international audiences through performances in England, Germany, Belgium, Russia and China.

Awards and recognition

Muhammad Yousuf earned several prestigious honors during his lifetime. He received 2 Pride of Performance awards. His other accolades include 4 Shah Latif Awards, 4 Qalendar Shahaz Awards and 3 Sachal Awards.