Khumariyaan, the beloved instrumental band from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), recently made waves with an Instagram post announcing a new chapter in their journey — the addition of a vocalist, Obaid Khan. Known for over a decade as a purely instrumental ensemble, this is a transformative move for Khumariyaan, one that has excited their fanbase and set the stage for broader musical exploration.
The announcement came with an equally bold declaration: the band aims to bring the languages of their region — Pashto, Kohistani, Hindko, and others — to a wider audience, making this step a cultural expansion as much as a musical one. With the addition of Obaid Khan, Khumariyaan’s mission now includes the preservation and promotion of the rich linguistic diversity of their homeland.
Founded by Farhan ‘Bogey’ Bogra in 2005 and officially coming together as a band in 2009, Khumariyaan has always been a collective effort. Despite being the rubab player and cultural activist behind its formation, Bogra has never claimed a leadership role, instead emphasizing that all members share ownership of the band’s identity and direction. Alongside Bogra on rubab, the band consists of Shiraz Khan on the zerbaghali (a traditional drum), Sparlay Rawail on lead guitars, and Aamer Shafiq on rhythm guitars.
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Khumariyaan’s music is deeply tied to Pashtun culture. Their tracks are driven by the melodic interplay of the rubab and zerbaghali, with guitars providing a harmonic canvas that has brought traditional Pashtun sounds into the modern music world. For over a decade, their instrumental performances have captured hearts across Pakistan and internationally, with shows in the US, UK, Europe, and Gulf states. They even made an appearance at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Texas, proudly representing Pakistan on a global stage.
Obaid Khan’s entry into Khumariyaan marks a significant expansion of the band’s artistic ambitions. The 28-year-old vocalist is a master’s graduate in anthropology and has long been a prominent artist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As a multilingual vocalist, he brings with him the ability to sing in Pashto, Kohistani, Hindko, and potentially other languages from Sindh and Punjab, particularly those that are fading into obscurity. His versatility aligns perfectly with Khumariyaan’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of their region.
“Obaid has been playing and singing in KP for years,” said Bogra. “With his background in anthropology and his multi-lingual abilities, he was a perfect fit for us as we look to promote not just music, but the languages of KP and beyond.”
For Khumariyaan, the move to add a vocalist is not a departure from their identity but rather an evolution of it. Their concerts will continue to be heavily instrumental, with the rubab, zerbaghali, and sitar leading the charge. Obaid’s voice will add a new layer of depth, blending seamlessly with the instrumental elements that define Khumariyaan’s sound.
“We’ve always had chants in our songs, but none of us were vocalists,” explained Bogra. “We needed someone like Obaid to give our music a stronger vocal presence, without losing our core identity.”
Sparlay Rawail, the band’s lead guitarist and an NCA graduate with a background in architecture, acknowledged that the addition of a vocalist might feel like a departure to some fans, but reassured them that Khumariyaan remains focused on its original mission. “We might seem hypocritical, and some fans may feel betrayed, but we owe it to Pashtun culture to adapt and expand our platform,” said Rawail.
Despite the changes, the band is committed to keeping its essence intact. “Our USP remains the same,” Bogra insisted. “Rubab, zerbaghali, and sitar will still be at the forefront of our performances. Obaid will also join us in our instrumental tracks, playing bass guitar and adding his voice where it fits.”
Even with this new direction, Khumariyaan remains true to its core ethos: representing Pashtun culture with authenticity and pride. Their concerts will continue to highlight the instrumental prowess that has made them one of Pakistan’s most beloved bands.
Khumariyaan’s ambitions don’t stop at adding a vocalist. The band also revealed an exciting collaboration with Pakistani superstar Atif Aslam on an upcoming track titled Qataghani. This song blends traditional Pashto melodies with modern elements, staying true to Khumariyaan’s signature style.
The collaboration came about following an interaction at the 18th Lux Style Awards, where Khumariyaan won the Best Song of the Year award. Due to a backstage mix-up, Atif Aslam, who was supposed to present the award, was unavailable, and Momina Mustehsan took his place. Rawail recounted the moment backstage when he jokingly told Atif that he “owed” them an award. To his surprise, Atif immediately apologized and offered to take a selfie. This playful exchange eventually led to the two exchanging numbers and recording a demo version of Qataghani.
“Atif sings in Pashto in the track,” said Rawail, adding that the song’s melody perfectly matches the dark, intense character of Hilmand, which Atif played in the TV drama Sang-e-Mah. “We helped him with the pronunciations, but he was a natural. He memorized everything and brought the character to life.”
Khumariyaan’s expansion into new musical territory doesn’t stop with Atif Aslam. The band has also collaborated with Bengali singer Sharmista Chatterjee, recording a song titled Sakal with renowned producer Mekaal Hasan. Sharmista’s unique contribution, singing Bengali lyrics in an Eastern European style, added an unexpected yet harmonious element to the track.
“We were thrilled by how moved she was by our music,” said Rawail. “Her vocals added a new dimension, and it’s an exciting exercise in world music.”
Khumariyaan’s journey reflects a constantly evolving band while staying true to its roots. By embracing vocals and expanding their repertoire, they are not only broadening their audience but also reinforcing their commitment to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their collaborations with artists like Atif Aslam and Sharmista Chatterjee further demonstrate their dedication to bridging traditional and contemporary elements, making Khumariyaan a unique force in Pakistan’s music scene.
As they prepare to release Qataghani by the end of the year, Khumariyaan is poised to continue making waves, both locally and internationally. Their music is a testament to the power of cultural preservation and innovation, ensuring that their legacy will endure for years.
(Courtesy: Dawn News)
