Badar uz Zaman (21 April 1940 – 1 December 2023)[1] was a Pakistani classical singer.[2] He contributed to Pakistani Classical Music by promoting and re-interpreting compositions of the sub-continent's Muslim composers. Zaman performed with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman, carrying forward the Pakistan's own "KasurGharana"[3] traditions of the art of Khayal music. Classical singers typically represent Indian Gharanas of Music.[4]
Early life and education
Zaman came from a wealthy family of Lahore cloth merchants.[2] He was educated in Pakistan at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, getting top position earning a bachelor's degree in music, and M.A. in political science.
Career
Zaman started his music career in 1956. Pervaiz Shami introduced him to debut on Radio Pakistan. He served the Punjab Council of the Arts as Deputy Director Drama and Resident Director Faisalabad, Sargodha and D.G Khan Arts Councils. As of 2012 Zaman was attached as Associate Professor to the Music Department, University of the Punjab Lahore.[5]He received music training from Ustad Faiz Ali (Gawaliyar), Ustad Iftikhar Ahmed Khan (Delhi), Ustad Chhotay Ghulam Ali Khan (Qasur) and Ustad Bhai Naseera (Punjab). In composing of film songs, he was affiliated with the renowned Pakistani music director Nisar Bazmi for 18 years. He was active in music for about 56 years, singing Khayal, Thumris, Dadra, and Ghazal.[citation needed]
Zaman remained active as a music performer in later life, particularly in partnership with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman.[6][7] Described as the "more articulate of the two",[2] Badar uz Zaman expressed views on topics including India-Pakistan cultural exchange,[2] and the 2011 arrest of singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.[8][9][10]
Death
Badar uz Zaman died on 1 December 2023, at the age of 83.[11]
Books
Zaman authored, translated, researched and edited several books on music,[12] such as:
Nawa-e-Mosiqi,
Taal Sagar,
Sada Rang,
Tohfa-tul-hind,
Ramoz-e-Sitar
Punjab ki classiki moosiqi ko ataa Tappa
Muarif-ul-Naghmaat (Part 1, Part 2 and part 3)[13]
His books Nawa-e-Mosiqi, Taal Sagar and Sada Rang have been translated into Hindi, English and Gurmukhi[15] and are being taught in Pakistani and Indian universities.[3][16]
Awards
Zaman was awarded a number of honours/awards including:
A unique award for Badar uz Zaman is that Pakistan's first-ever music academy has been named after him. Describing him as a 'legendary musician' of the country, the Jadeed Foundation named their music school after him as a living legend.[26]
Zaman's contributions toward the preservation and promotion of classical music in Pakistan and sole entity representing KasurGharana are recognised all over the Indian subcontinent.[27]
^University of the Punjab "Pakistani Music History". Pakistan Music History website. 14 August 1948. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
