Meet Abdul Gaffar Kanihami, who has made an important contribution in shaping and preservation of Kashmiri folk music. Under the guidance of Mohammad Abdullah Ganaie, Abdul Gaffar mastered his folk music abilities and emerged as an iconic figure in the local traditional music landscape.
Hailing from the Kanihama village of Budgam, Abdul Gaffar Kanihami while talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that he has devoted his life to safeguarding the rich heritage of Kashmiri folk music. His collection includes a wide range of traditional Kashmiri folk songs, each of which captures the essence and significance of the area’s culture.
”Radio Kashmir gave me a platform when I first started my career, and I am really grateful to them for supporting me in this field and giving me the opportunity to sing there. In the same way, I am thankful to Doordarshan for making my voice known to the public,” he said. “‘People continued to request me to sing because they thoroughly enjoyed my voice, and I did so without stopping.
As a result, I’ve reached this point where a larger audience is familiar with me. ” he added. Recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication, Abdul Gaffar Kanihami has been bestowed with numerous prestigious awards.
Among them are the Khilati Hatmukh, Hatmukh award, Shashrang award, Nishan-e-Hami, and Khilate Shams fakeer, all conferred by the state administration of the government of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Academy award for the year 2023, acknowledging his significant contributions to the folk music heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Abdul Gaffar Kanihami has not only preserved the cultural identity of Kashmir but also elevated the status of Kashmiri folk music on national and international platforms—(KNO)
