PESHAWAR: The ‘Ya Qurban’ competition of singing old folk songs was held in Peshawar on Sunday with about 140 singers participating in the cultural event to revive the 'tappay' genre of Pashto folk music.

A large number of singers, artists and literary figures attended the singing competition in Peshawar's Nishtar Hall featuring Pashto and Hindko musicians.

A female singer entertaining the crowd. ─Photo by author

About 140 singers from different areas of province participated in the event, organised by the provincial culture department, to avail this opportunity to express their mastery in singing ‘tappay’.

Hindko singer Shahid Ali Khan receiving his award. ─Photo by author

Amongst Pushto language singers, Janan clinched first position and was given Rs100,000 cash and Kishwar Sultan award. Muhammad Ishaq and Liaquat Ali secured second and third positions respectively and were given Rs75,000 and Rs50,000, respectively.

In Hindko, Shahid Ali Khan grabbed first position, winning Rs100,000 cash and Inayat Ali Sultani award. Adnan and Ghulam Abbas got second and third position respectively with cash rewards of Rs75,000 and Rs50,000 each.

Pahto singer Janan receiving his award. ─Photo by author

Renowned Pashto musician Khalid Malik Haider, former PTV programme manager Shaukat Ali and ex-director Radio Pakistan Nisar Muhammad Khan performed as judges. Noted writer and poet Abaseen Yousazai had written the theme of the competition.

The hosts Bakhtiar Khatak and Sobia Khan. -Photo by author

The competition is entitled ‘Ya Qurban’ – two words that a tappa starts with – gave those who love and have kept this genre of Pashto folk music alive a chance to sing at a bigger forum.

The indigenous way in villages still is to invite and listen to village folks who can still sing ‘tappay’ in a hujra or private gathering.

The earlier versions of the competition were held in Mardan and Abbottabad.