Muhammad Juman

Ustad Muhammad Juman is a celebrated Sindhi musician and classical singer from Pakistan. His profound impact on the landscape of Sindhi music remains pervasive today.

Early life and education

Muhammad Juman was born on 10 October 1935 in the village of Sorra. This village is located within the Lasbela District of Balochistan. He was the son of Haji Ahmed Sakhirani, who belonged to the Sakhirani clan and worked as a musician. Because of his father's profession, Juman developed a natural fondness for music during his childhood years.

He sought formal musical training under the guidance of Ustad Nazar Hussain. This venerable Pakistani musician worked at the Lahore Center of Pakistan Television and served as a tutor to Madam Noor Jehan. Juman also studied under Bade Wahid Ali Khan, who was an expert on the Surs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. These lessons allowed him to master the complex melodies required for classical Sindhi singing.

Career

Juman began his professional journey at Radio Pakistan in Karachi as a "Surando" player. He successfully played the symphony of Kohyari during his audition to secure a position as a staff musician. While working there, he performed in harmony with various artists, including Ustad Muhammad Ibrahim. His interest in the flute also led him to visit the Karachi station several times until he eventually started a program as a flute player.

Fellow radio artists encouraged him to attempt singing because of his high-quality voice. He soon became a regular singer at Radio Pakistan Hyderabad. Through intense study, he learned to interpret the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. He introduced new colors and renovations to Sindhi music through his unique style. His compositions often focused on the works of mystic poets.

One of his most famous recordings is the kafi song "Muhinjo Mulk Malir, Kotan Main Aaun Keean Guzariyan," which was composed by Deebo Bhattacharya for the film Umer-Marvi. He also achieved great fame by performing the Saraiki Kafi of Usman Faqir titled "Yaar Dadhi Isaq Aatish lai Hai." Juman performed various kafis by Mir Sikandar Khan Khoso at Radio Pakistan, such as "Ishq munjhon izhar thee ayo" and "Kech Punhal day hal kahay hal."

His talent extended beyond the borders of Pakistan. He performed in India, Bangladesh, Japan, and Australia. Renowned singers including Lata Mangeshkar, Noor Jehan, and Abida Parveen praised his abilities. Even former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto admired his work and invited him to personal gatherings.

Personal life

Juman's musical legacy continued through his son, Shafi Muhammad, who followed his father's style of kafi singing. The musician faced health challenges toward the end of his life. He died on 24 January 1990 at a hospital in Karachi due to complications from diabetes and hepatitis. He was buried at the Mewa Shah Graveyard in Karachi.

Awards and recognition

The Government of Pakistan honored him with the Pride of Performance Award in 1980. He also received the Latif Award and the Sachal Sarmast Award for his contributions to music. To honor his services, the Culture department of the Government of Sindh inaugurated a dedicated music gallery for him at the Sindh Museum in Hyderabad.