Not just our very own Rahat Fateh Ali Khan but the Pashto music legend Sardar Ali Takkar is also set to perform at the Nobel Prize Ceremony
Takkar, who hails from the same province as Malala Yousafzai will be performing Ta Bibi Sheerina Ye on the first day of the ceremony, a song which he made as a tribute to Malala’s bravery after she was attacked by the Taliban.
On the second day, Takkar will perform the famous poem by Ghani Khan, A zama watan, in which Ghani Khan expressed his love for the country.
Takkar is one of the most popular names of Pashto music who is particularly known for converting many of Ghani Khan’s melodies into soothing musical compositions.
In the late 2000’s, he was amongst the likes of Harron Bacha, musicians who had to flee their country after receiving death threats from the Taliban. These days Takkar is based in Washington DC and works as a music producer for Voice of America Radio Deewa.
“I am short of words, all I can is that he all the Pashtuns around the world are proud of her achievement,” said Takkar with regard to the world’s youngest noble Prize Laurate Malala Yousufza.
Translation of Ta Bibi Sheerina
Fulfilling the capacity of mother, wife, sister and daughter, you incarnate love by all,
O Pakhtun sweetheart, learning is your right.
You are the real Bibi Shirin
Allow her to learn and she will help your country thrive.
She will raze down the idols of ignorance
She is the origin of life and she is the sign of grace and respect
You can bring prosperity and peace, if your strengths are utilised
You are a burden only in the snare of others grip
Do not consider yourself inferior, you are second to none,
Your wisdom and physical strength is unrivalled,
Your pride is your reason and hard work
You may be heartbroken, but your aspirations speak of strong determination
You are the real Bibi Shirin.
