Meda Dil Ranjhan Rawal Mangey - Muslim Shaggan | Kafi

Muslim Shaggan demonstrates the kafi style of singing to an impromptu audience of university students and faculty in the grounds of LUMS.

Kafi is both a form of poetry and a genre of classical music rooted in the Sufi tradition native to Punjab and Sindh. It is characterized by an intense spiritual devotion rendered in a minimalist style, with the poetry often restricted to one or two lines serving as a refrain.

This kafi sung by Muslim is written by Shah Hussain - the famous 16th century Punjabi poet and pioneer of the form.

We had the privilege of experiencing this hypnotic piece shortly after Muslim gave an engaging guest lecture for a course called "Sur, Taal, Raag" taught by sitar player and ethnomusicologist Sadaf Habib, who made this spontaneous mehfil possible. We were swept up by the charm and searing yearning in Muslim's performance, and thus this is not something we can keep to ourselves. Don't blame us too much if this becomes your song for the month of February.

Artist: Muslim Shaggan Gwalior is one of the most exciting young vocalists in the classical music scene of Pakistan. He hails from the Gwalior Gharana and is Lahore born and raised. Still only in his mid-20s, his talent, spirit and passionate dedication to his craft and family legacy have ensured that he is already a maestro in his own right. His own channel:‪@muslimshaggan‬


Lyrics:

Meda Dil Ranjhan Ranwal Mangey

Jungle Belay Dhoondhan Mein Phir Di
Ranjhan Meray Sangey

Nahin Aya (*)
Mera Dhol Nahin Aya
Heer Kookay Wich Jhangey

Translation:

My heart...
Longs for Ranjhan Rawal

In the jungle
In the wilderness
I looked for you, everywhere
But Ranjhan lives inside me

"Didn't come...
My beloved hasn't come"
Heer cries out, alone

(*) Academic note: in the original Shah Hussain kafi, the words go "Mahin Ayeina, Mera Dhol Nahi Aya" - meaning "the cattle have come back (from grazing), but my beloved has not"

P.S. I hope for your forgiveness if the translation is not up to scratch

Filmed and Edited by Daniyal Yousaf

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