Ustad Tafu
Altaf Hussain Tafu Khan (born 1945), better known as Ustad Tafu or simply Tafoo, is a Pakistani musician from Lahore, Pakistan known as a master tabla player. Ustad Tafu is especially adept at playing the musical instrument Tabla and is called the Tabla King in some music circles. Ustad Tafu has also been associated with Coke Studio in Pakistan.[1] He is the father of musicians Tariq Tafu, Tanveer Tafu & Sajjad Tafu.
Altaf Hussain Tafu Khan | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Altaf Hussain Tafu |
| Also known as | Ustad Tafu, Tafoo |
| Born | 1945 Lahore, Pakistan |
| Origin | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Tabla |
| Years active | 1970-present |
| Labels | Coke Studio (Pakistan) |
| Associated acts | Sajjad Tafu, Tariq Tafu, Tanveer Hussain (all Tafu's sons) |
Early life and career
Ustad Tafu was born in Lahore, Pakistan to a musician's family, "a part of a musical legacy that spans seven generations."[1][2] Ustad Tafu started his career in 1970 when his first film song, Sunn wey balori akhh waaliya as music director, sung by Noor Jehan was featured in movie Anwara (1970). Ahead in the following year 1971 one of his hit chartbusters-- Mahi Keh Gaya Milan Ga Main Fer Aa Ke Te Dass Ke Tareekh Na Gaya, released in movie Sajawal. Another film song was in film Sohra Te Jawai (1980), sung by Noor Jehan, lyrics by Khawaja Pervez "Rab jane sahnoon te tu maar suttia". Ustad Tafu has composed music for over 100 films and has worked with music artists such as Noor Jehan, Shaukat Ali, Inayat Hussain Bhatti, Naheed Akhtar and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[3]
Ustad Tafu showcased his tabla playing skills at the Coke Studio Pakistan (season 7) along with musicians Bilal Maqsood and the Pakistani pop rock Strings (band).[1]
In 2018, Ustad Tafu also appeared on Adil Omar's album Transcendence as an arranger, percussionist and playing harmonium for "We Need to Talk About Adil."
Some of his films as a musician
- Sajawal (1971)
- Ik Madari (1973)
- Wehshi Gujjar (1979)
- Charda Suraj (1982)
- Des Pardes (1983)
- Madam Rani (1995)
Some of Ustad Tafu's popular songs
| Song Title | Sung by | Lyrics By | Film and Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suun Wey Balori Akhh Waalia | Noor Jehan | Khawaja Pervez | film Anwara (1970) |
| Rab Jaaney Sahnun Tey Tu Maar Suttia, Phul Pattian Teray Kohlon Mein Duur Howan, Jehray Din Mein Mar Gai Meinun Rona Panj Daryawaan | Noor Jehan | Khawaja Pervez | film Sohra Te Jawai (1980) |
| Dooron Dooron Akhhian Maarey Munda Patwari Da | Noor Jehan | Khawaja Pervez | film Dubai Chalo (1979) |
| Dil Bhi Dahk Dahk Paey Dhamaalan, Nachhan Lag Paey Saah, Sohnia Teray Jee Sadaqay, Hore Mein Aakhan Ki Sadaqay | Noor Jehan | Khawaja Pervez | film Pehlwan Jee in London (1971) |
| Mein Allharr Punjab Di,Mahia Ghabroo Pakistan Da | Noor Jehan | Bashir Khokhar | film Rab Di Shaan (1970) |
Awards and recognition
- Nigar Award for Best Music in film Dubai Chalo (1979)
References
- Ustad Tafu profile on Coke Studio (Pakistan) website Retrieved 23 January 2019
- Ally Adnan (3 May 2013). "Punjab's own son (Ustad Tafu is among the listed people)". The Friday Times (newspaper). Retrieved 23 January 2019.
- Coke Studio Pakistan (season 7) finalizes artists, musicians for 28 songs thenewstribe.com website, Retrieved 23 January 2019
- Mistry, Aban E. (1999). Pakhawaj & Tabla: History, Schools and Traditions. ISBN 978-0-9643694-8-1. Digitala.
