Baloch benju maestro Ustad Noor Bakhsh walks into a Berlin bar, a mind-blowing viral video follows
Ustad Noor Bakhsh, a Balochi musician, stands as one of the last living masters of the benju, an instrument deeply rooted in the cultural crossroads of Balochistan. He just performed at the annual Roskilde Music Festival in Denmark as a part of his European tour and was captured at a local watering hole in Berlin yesterday, July 6.
The benju maestro Ustad Noor Baksh left the very diverse crowd, many of whom were young techno music addicts, ecstatic. I was not expecting such a massive, delightful response to Balochi folk music in Berlin, and needless to say I was so happy for these two gents. pic.twitter.com/vF04QfaGeR
— Salman Siddiqui ✪ (@salmansid) July 6, 2023
The benju from Balochistan
Picture a place where musical influences from the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Africa, and Arabia converge in a melting pot of musical influences and cultural fusion. That's Balochistan for you, nestled at the border of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
The benju - a zither (a musical instrument shaped like a flat box, with many strings stretched across it that you pull) with mechanical keys - holds a significant place in Balochistan's musical heritage.
It is distinctively twangy and droning, creating a mesmerising sound that has become an integral part of the folk music in the region. Ustad Noor Bakhsh, the musical magician hailing from the enchanting lands of Balochistan, holds the coveted title of being one of the last living masters of this beautiful instrument.
The benju itself has an intriguing origin story, believed to have arrived in Pakistan from Japan. No, it's not some distant cousin of the banjo, so let's clear that up right away.
All the way from Japan
Originally a Japanese instrument called the taishōgoto, toy versions of it were brought to Pakistan by Japanese sailors in the 1920s. Local musicians then modified it, enlarging its size and increasing its volume. Thus, the benju emerged, weaving its way into the cultural fabric of Balochistan, and became the national instrument of the region.
The man, the myth, the legend
For many years, Ustad Noor Bakhsh remained relatively unknown outside the local community, with his music limited to local recordings and film documentaries. However, his talent caught the attention of Pakistani musicologist Daniyal Ahmed, who embarked on a 1,000-kilometre journey to track down this elusive musician. Bakhsh's address was unknown, and his reputation seemed almost mythical.
But here's where things get even more fascinating. Bakhsh experimented with an electric version of the instrument, playing it through an amplifier powered by solar energy and a car battery. This technological twist breathed new life into the instrument and paved the way for historic changes, much like the electronic bands from the Congo did for their music.
Thanks to Ahmed's efforts to unearth this hidden gem, Ustad Noor Bakhsh's talent reached a wider audience with the release of his EP titled Jingul in 2022. The album received rave reviews and paved the way for international performances, including a captivating session on Boiler Room, putting Bakhsh’s talents on full display.
Bakhsh's music encompasses a wide range of genres and influences. He skillfully performs traditional melodies, love ghazals, trance rhythms, and even popular Bollywood hits. In his solos, one can discern echoes of the Malian maestro, Ali Farka Toure and the blues of the Sahara, revealing his diverse inspirations.
His talent has earned him recognition and invitations to prestigious festivals, such as Europe's progressive festival, Le Guess Who, and this year, the esteemed Roskilde Festival in Denmark, where he played a set earlier this month.
Bakhsh's music not only draws from deep folk music traditions but also finds inspiration in the natural surroundings of his native region. The landscapes and birdlife of Balochistan infuse his compositions with a sense of awe and wonder.
Through Jingul, Bakhsh showcases a collection comprising four interpretations of Balochi poetry, shepherd's tunes, and qawwali, along with an original composition. With each note, Bakhsh takes the listener on a transformative journey, weaving a vibrant tapestry of emotions that encompasses sorrow, ecstasy, and epiphany.
Listening to Bakhsh is an immersive experience. The brilliance of the benju and his ability to evoke profound emotions make him a true maestro of his craft, and his rise to fame in the European musical scene is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. The folks at that Berlin bar (too) would agree.