Ustad Tafu is a name that needs no introduction for Pakistani film fans. The man has created hits like “Sunn Way Balori Akh Waaliya”, “Munda Shehr Lahore Da” and “Saathi Mujhay Mil Gaya” which are still popular among fans today.
Ustad Tafu was also associated with the Coke Studio brand in recent years, when his evergreen “Sunn Way Balori” was performed on the show by Meesha Shafi.
Ustad Tafu was an incredibly proficient Tabla player and was famous for his beat-based music. However, he also played several other instruments and composed for a hundred films with artists like Ustad Shaukat Ali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Noor Jahan, and Naheed Akhtar to name a few.
Ustad Salaamat Ali Khan once spoke very highly of him, saying that he was perhaps the greatest classical Tabla player alive. He also lent his composing talents to a Hamd called “Awwal Hamd Saana Elahi”, which was performed by Inayat Hussain Bhatti.
Tafu’s last contribution to cinema industry was his composition for song “Tak Wey” for Saqib Malik’s debut film “Baaji”(2019). In an Instagram post Saqib paid tribute to the late composer. “While filming another song for the film, one of the production assistants would play ‘Tak Wey’ during breaks to keep everyone on set revved up. The moment the song began, everyone would break into spontaneous dance, cheering and singing along”, writes Saqib sharing his experience from the sets of “Baaji”.
Ustad Tafu was decorated with the Nigar Award for Best Musician for “Dubai Chalo” (1979) and the Pride of Performance from the Pakistani government.
Various news outlets have reported that he was suffering from a long illness and that he passed away in the late hours of Saturday night on October 26th, 2024.
With over 50 years of experience in his belt, the man was undoubtedly a veteran who had seen it all. His beats will continue to echo in the hearts of his fans and admirers for many years to come.
