Born in 1936 the village of Haveli Lakhan in southern Punjab, Pakistan, Sain Zahoor (vocals, tumbi) embarked on a spiritual and musical journey at the tender age of ten. Leaving home, he traversed the country visiting Sufi shrines, where he found his initial musical inspiration. A pivotal moment in his early life was his visit to the shrine of the renowned 17th-century Punjabi Sufi poet, Baba Bullhe Shah, in Kasur. There, he encountered Ustad Sain Raunka Ali, under whose tutelage he began to learn the Sufi kalams (poems).
For decades, Sain Zahoor’s life was characterized by his nomadic existence, performing primarily in the streets and at Sufi shrines across Pakistan. His unique musical expression and dedication to Sufi traditions garnered him local acclaim, leading to his first stage performance in 1989 at the prestigious All Pakistan Music Conference. This event marked the beginning of his ascent in the world of music festivals, both within Pakistan and internationally.
Sain Zahoor’s global recognition was solidified when he received the BBC World Music Award in 2006. His performances are renowned for their ability to convey the profound and timeless messages of the Sufi poets, focusing on themes of love and the mystical union between the human soul and the Divine Beloved. Through his magnetic voice and spiritual fervor, Sain Zahoor continues to be a vital conduit for the transmission of Sufi wisdom and poetic tradition.
Sain Ahmad Zahoor’s ensemble in 2024 included Riyasat Ali on chimta; Waseem Ali on tablas; Rashid Hossain on dholak; and Sawan on harmonium.
Many of his recordings are available on Amazon.
Author: Douglas Sanders
