Delhiites most enthusiastic about my music: Kabul Bukhari

Kashmiri Singer Kabul Bukhari loves to visit Delhi because of his huge fan-following here. The Capital ranks top among his audience. 

“Delhi is on top [as far as my audience is concerned], followed by Mumbai. Then comes Indore, Lucknow, and Srinagar. This ranking is based on the analysis of YouTube and other social media platforms,” Bukhari told Patriot during his recent visit to Delhi for a private event. 

He expressed a strong connection with the city, attributing it to music that consistently brings him back.

“I keep visiting Delhi frequently for different private and club shows. Recently, I performed in Jamia Hamdard,” he said before adding, “I love to visit Shaheen Bagh area for Mughlai food and it has fascinating taste.” 

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The 34-year-old singer said that the audience in Delhi exhibits deep appreciation for music. 

“Their taste for music especially Sufi music is amazing. They enjoy it and I also love to perform with them,” said Bukhari, whose voice is often referred to as ‘golden voice’. 

He described music as his life’s passion. 

“This is something which has kept me alive and this is something for what I am surviving,” he remarked. 

He began his musical journey along with his brother in his native village. 

“I started performing with my brother who taught me a lot about music. If my brother would not have been in this field, I too may not have opted for it. Later, I learned music and did my studies in music too. I also gained experience through live shows,” Bukhari shared.

Hailing from Karnah village of J&K’s Kupwara district, Bukhari was a runner-up in Kashmir’s firstever singing reality show — ‘Miley Sur’ in 2009-10. 

“The challenging part was that being a ‘Pahari’, I had to sing Kashmiri songs in the show. In the beginning, I lost confidence and decided to quit the show but a mentor of mine encouraged me and told me that I can do it,” said Kabul, who also runs his music studio titled KB Productions. 

A friend taught him the Kashmiri language. 

“ When I performed the Kashmiri song, all the judges gave me a standing ovation and affirmed my ability to sing in Kashmiri,” he said. 

In 2015, he launched his YouTube channel with a Kashmiri song Dubraaye Gayem. He said that the song Dubraaye Gayem was a big hit among the Kashmiri audience. 

“This song was recomposed in a new form and with new touches. After that, many young Kashmiri singers came forward and started composing Kashmiri songs with a modern touch. Traditionally, Kashmiri musicians have been using Rabab, Tumaknari and harmonium to produce the music but I have given a new touch to these songs so that youngsters can enjoy them,” said Bukhari. 

Bukhari said that most of the people assume that he lives out of India because of his appearance. 

“When they discover that I live in Kashmir, they request me to perform Kashmiri songs as they enjoy its rhythm and music. I focus on different languages of Kashmir which includes Dogri, Gojri, Kashmiri, Pahari, and wherever I go, I take these languages with me and promote them,” said Bukhari who has composed songs for Kehwa Beats show, also known as Kashmir’s own Coke Studio. 

The singer-turned-lyricist has penned songs for a film produced by a US-based production house which is yet to be released. 

“In 2015, I also participated in The Voice India singing reality show. I was the finalist of Big Golden Voice show and won third position in All India Devotional Song Competition,” said Bukhari who also performs Qawwalis and listens to legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. 

Having worked for brands like T-Series and Tips, Times Music, and Tips Records, he said that nowadays being an independent artist is a thing of pride. 

“One does not need any label. You can produce, compose, and publish the content on your own. The market is open. What a music company does, one can do it as an independent artist,” Bukhari said. The Sufi singer thinks that the remake of the songs is liked by most people. 

“Remake of songs is accepted nowadays. The majority of the population likes it. When the same song is performed in a new form, it looks interesting. License is issued to remake a particular song,” he said, adding, “Auto-tune use is not bad. It has enhanced the beauty of a song. Auto-tune is giving you melody. A melody which interests your ears should be praised.”