Profile

Abida Parveen is a popular singer of Ghazals, Sufiana kalaam and Punjabi folk.

Abida Parveen was born in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan in 1954. Her father Ghulam Haider, ran a music school. The family was also close to shrines of Sufi saints and she was brought up in the environment of deep mysticism, poetry and music of Sufi saints. She learnt music initially from her father and then from Sham Chorasia gharana master Ustad Salamat Ali khan. Her singing career took off after marriage to Ghulam Hussain Sheikh, senoir producer in Radio Pakistan.

Her style of singing is full throated, almost manly. The strong influence of Begum Akhtar is evident. Her classical background gives her command over ornamentation and control over notes. The intensity she brings to singing makes her a compelling artist.

Abida primarily sings Qawalees, Sindhi & and Punjabi Kafees of great Sufi poets of the past. After the death of Nusrt Fateh Ali Khan, many consider her the next great mystic singer on the world stage. She is also adept at singing ghazals. An album released by Times Music, Faiz by Abida, made a splash by featuring on the international world music charts. The album was notched at number 12 among the top 20.