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Shabbir Ahmed has been playing the Indian musical instrument dhol in Global Village for the past eight years
Shabbir Ahmed performs at Global Village. – Photos provided
The Pakistani national may be one of the few on the list who has experienced the culture of the border. Shabbir Ahmed is an artist who plays the dhol (an Indian musical instrument) and has been in love with traditional music since childhood. Although he is Pakistani, his love for Indian music knows no borders.
“There’s no difference. We’re of the same race, and people prefer my music no matter where they’re from,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed, who has been playing the instrument at Global Village for the past eight years, relishes the attention the tourists give him. “Not only Indians, Pakistanis or expatriates from the subcontinent dance to my tunes, but also Arabs, Europeans and Americans love everything I do with this instrument,” Ahmad said.
“A lot of western tourists come up to me specifically to take pictures with me. It’s not because I’m attractive, but music connects people from many parts of the world,” Ahmed added.
He performed 10 shows at 30-minute intervals near the India Pavilion, and from the first show at 4pm, a large crowd gathered around him. “The best part is that kids are more excited than adults. They move, dance and swing their legs, which gives me more energy,” says Ahmed.
For Ahmed, music was ingrained in him from birth, as his father and grandfather were also musicians. “My grandfather was a famous musician in my home country, and he was also associated with famous artists. My father was also a famous musician, which made me follow in their footsteps,” Ahmad De said.
The busker visits Dubai every six months to perform at Global Village, and it feels like his music reaches every corner of the world. “I am honored. I can proudly say that my audience comes from almost every country in the world. I met people from Croatia, Italy, Argentina, etc., and they fell in love with my work.”
Every year after the Global Village season ends, Ahmed waits and looks forward to the next one. “During the six-month gap, I worked with local Pakistani music groups. Apart from that, I also worked on new notes and tunes to present during Global Village,” said Ahmed.
Ahmed is looking forward to performing in entertainment venues for a few more years as he believes there is no better stage.
ayaz@khaleejtimes.com
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