Mohammad Shakir

A 22-years-old artist from Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Mohammad Shakir, has been learning music through his family’s heritage of Qawwali form. At a very young age, he began to play the Dholak taking inspiration from his father, Kallu Ustad, who played the instrument in Bollywood chartbuster films like Pardes & Watim. He has been working hard towards achieving mastery in his craft and pursues it with tremendous passion. He considers his father, Kallu Ustad, as his guru and mentor. He speaks very highly of his teaching as well as achievements in the field of music. Most of their songs have been written by Shayars & Sufi saints like Amir Khusro, Mollana Zami, Badam Barsi and are based on traditional Kalams and compositions. He also believes that his interest in music comes from his family’s musical lineage and from their ancestors, who have had a natural desire for mastering and passing the art of singing Qawwali to the next generation. When he was a child, he would try imitating his father and so picked up the instrument and never stopped playing. He also sings in the chorus and has performed in various locations within the state and the country. He has received love and appreciation in numerous stages in India while performing with his father and with Azeez Chishti Ji. He is adored for his brilliant performances at festivals and conventions in Mumbai, Gujarat, Patna to amaze the crowds. Jogging down the memory lane,  he regards his performance at the Orissa Convention as the most memorable experience as the stage was beautifully decorated. With a glowing smile on his face, he also revealed that the arrangements made for their stay were also very good. He lives in a big family of 7 people with his mother, two brothers, one elder sister, wife, and son. He only performs Qawwali music to make ends meet. Currently, his brother, Md. Umar gets him shows and manages his performances. He charges 1500/- per night for singing in the chorus and charges 3000 for his dholak performance. He feels very strongly about his traditions and the art of Qawwali music and wishes to make his son a Qawwal. Notwithstanding the struggles of life, he yearns to develop his craft and dreams to follow in the footsteps of his father.