Baramulla, Dec 22: In order to train youth of Kashmir in music, a music academy Sonaullah Bhat Music Academy was launched in Kreeri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The music academy was launched by Yawar Nazir Bhat in the name of his grandfather and legendary Rabab artist Sonaullah Bhat, under the banner of Kohinoor Music Band.
The Bhat family of Kreeri has produced great Rabab players of Kashmir who dominated instrumental music for years together including legendary Sonuallah Bhat.
Yawar, the youngest of the family, is on a path to revive the legacy of his grandfather Sanaullah Bhat, who is remembered as the king of Rabab.
Yawar told Rising Kashmir that the main motive to start this music academy is to train young music enthusiasts in various fields ranging from vocals to instruments.
“Music is not just singing and dancing, it is education and should be taught like other regular subjects. Students of the academy would learn a range of musical instruments besides learning vocals”, Yawar said.
He said that the trainers at Sonaullah Bhat Music Academy will teach the students rabab, guitar, keyboard and both classical and western music.
He said that the youth of Kashmir are indulging in drug abuse and to safeguard the society and in particular the youth, teaching and learning music will play a great role.
“Establishing a music academy is a step towards the goal where we can see a drug free Kashmir. Moreover, we want to engage youth of Kashmir towards positive things,” Yawar added.
Yawar said that the establishment of the music academy is the direct response and demand of youth who want to learn music.
“I have several future plans. In February and March 2023, we are planning to celebrate legendary Sonaullah Bhat day and build a theater in his name with the support of people and government,” he added.
Earlier the music academy was inaugurated by BDC Chairman Wagoora Ghulam Mohi ud din Sofi at Kreeri.
BDC Chairman assured support to the young artists saying that he will assist the team in establishing a music theater at Kreeri.
Notably, Sonuallah Bhat was among the first rabab players from Jammu and Kashmir. He played Rabab for almost 30 years and represented Kashmir at national and international forums. Raj Begum- the Melody Queen of Kashmir has called Sanuallah Bhat as a legendary Rabab artist and a great composer.
Sonaullah Bhat was a staff artist with All India Radio in Srinagar from 1932 to 1962, and performed in countries across the world. He has played Rabab in countries like the US, Russia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
