Ustad Noor Bakhsh is a Pakistani musician from Balochistan, known internationally for his mastery of the benju, a keyed zither prominent in Balochi folk music.[1] His style blends traditional Balochi melodies with South Asian, Persian, and popular musical influences.[2][3][4][5]
Noor Bakhsh was born into a nomadic shepherd family on the Makran coast of Balochistan, Pakistan.[6] He grew up moving with livestock between coastal villages, eventually settling in Sindhi Paso near Pasni, a fishing port town.[1] He began playing the benju as a child, learning from his father and local teachers.[7]
Instrument and musical style
The instrument most associated with Noor Bakhsh is the benju, a keyed zither widely used in Balochi and Sindhi music. He plays an electric benju, powered by a small amplifier often run on a motorcycle battery due to limited electricity in his village.[7] His sound incorporates Balochi folk modes, Indian raga improvisation, Persian melodic ornamentation, and modern popular elements.[2] Critics have described his performances as trance-like, meditative, and rich with emotional intensity.[6]
Career
Although he had been performing for decades in Balochistan, Noor Bakhsh achieved widespread recognition only in the early 2020s.[6] In 2022, Pakistani anthropologist and musician Daniyal Ahmed recorded videos of him performing on a roadside; these went viral online, bringing him to international attention.[6] That same year, he released his debut solo album Jingul on the label Honiunhoni, later distributed globally by Hive Mind Records.[8] The album received critical acclaim and was praised for its “fluid virtuosity” and “cosmic yet grounded sound.”[8] In 2023, Noor Bakhsh performed at major festivals including Roskilde Festival in Denmark and Le Guess Who? in the Netherlands.[9] He has since toured across Europe and North America, appearing at the Richmond Folk Festival (2024) and other international venues.[10]
Repertoire and influences
Noor Bakhsh's repertoire includes Balochi love songs, ghazals, Bollywood-inspired melodies, and his own compositions.[1] The title track of Jingul refers to a small bird that nested in his home.[8] His improvisational approach involves looping short motifs that gradually evolve into complex melodic patterns, creating a meditative and hypnotic sound.[2] He cites earlier benju masters such as Ustad Khuda Bakhsh and Ustad Misri Khan Jamali as inspirations.[10]
Personal life
Despite his international fame, Noor Bakhsh continues to live in Sindhi Paso, near Pasni, where he still performs in local community gatherings.[1] He maintains a simple technical setup, using his battery-powered amplifier and a locally built benju.[7]
Legacy
Noor Bakhsh is considered a bridge between the folk traditions of the Makran coast and global world music.[6] His success in later life has been cited as an example of how traditional musicians can reach international audiences without altering their cultural authenticity.[6] He is credited with revitalizing interest in the benju and bringing Balochi instrumental music to new listeners worldwide.[8]
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