Interview with a talented South Asian Musician
Ustaad Abid Hussain is a talented dhol artist, which he has made his passion in life.
Ustaad Abid Hussain was born in a Punjabi Musical family, he said in his family both his nana and dada were all dhol players and his father the late Ghulam Rasol use to play the dhol the saxaphone and clarinet, which inspired him to follow in his families musical footsteps.
When Ustaad Abid was 5 to 6 years old his musical passion really started and he started with ‘the dhol’. By the age of 10 Ustaad Abid had his first taste of fame by appearing on Pakistan Television (PTV). Ustaad Abid feels the day he was born music was in his blood.
At the tender age of 15 to 16 years old he realised that he could convert from tabla to dhol, and the beats of tabla would play on the dhol. Ustaad Abid feels he had blessings from his grandparents and his father and Allah. Ustaad Abid said “It was a difficult time next to impossible due to it being sufi”.
Asian World exclusively interviewed Ustaad Abid
1. Can you tell us about the sufi that inspired sound?
Pakistani Sufi’s inspired my sound.
2. Which of your many achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud fusing sufi and classical music together. I have many students which have performed with and taught and what makes me proud is watching them grow in music.
3. What advice would you give a young musician?
My advice would be to a young musician is to keep the Dhol music and tradition alive forever.
4. How important is it to keep ancient traditions alive?
All the ancient traditions of music are slowly coming back. It s very important to keep this music and traditions alive as if you don’t know the basics then you don’t understand music.
5. What is your idea of happiness?
When we pray that is my happiness and also when I play the dhol it gives me unconditional happiness.
6. How big a part does spirituality play in what you do?
Sufism is spirituality so it plays a 100% part.
7. Who would you love to collaborate with?
Ustaad Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most famous Indian tabla player, musical producer, film actor and composer. “He is my idol” said Ustaad Abid.
8. What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
For the rest of the year touring 1st stop will be Japan, then Pakistan, then India then back to Japan and then back to India Julander Punjab. In Jalander it has been 146 years the dhol has not been played so fro me it’s an honour I have been asked to play Dhol in Jalandher. People from all over the world come there and have understanding in music.
9. Finally, why do you love music? I love music because it gives no pain as the legendary Bob Marley
