Khumariyaan – The Sound of Modern Folk from Peshawar

Khumariyaan is a groundbreaking instrumental band from Peshawar, Pakistan, redefining how folk music is perceived in the modern era. Consisting of four incredibly talented musicians—Farhan Bogra (rubab), Aamer Shafiq (guitar), Sparlay Rawail (percussion), and Shiraz Khan (zerbaghali)—Khumariyaan merges age-old traditions with contemporary beats, creating a vibrant musical experience that is both deeply rooted and globally resonant.

What makes Khumariyaan stand out in Pakistan’s diverse music landscape is their dedication to instrumental music. In an industry dominated by vocal-driven genres, Khumariyaan’s wordless compositions speak volumes. They utilize the hauntingly beautiful rubab, a traditional Pashto string instrument, alongside African drums like the djembe, and acoustic guitars to craft soulful and high-energy performances.

Their track “Bela” is one of the band’s most recognized pieces, capturing the serenity of natural landscapes and the soulful connection to Pashtun heritage. Another track, “Tamasha”, delivers upbeat, foot-tapping rhythms that showcase their command of fusion and arrangement.

Khumariyaan is more than a music band—they are cultural storytellers. Through their music, they challenge stereotypes and present a peaceful, artistic face of Pakistan to the world. Their performances have taken them across continents, from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to international festivals in Ireland, England, and Sri Lanka. Everywhere they perform, they are celebrated for their musical innovation and cultural pride.

Their contribution to the revival of traditional instruments, especially the rubab, is profound. Once fading into obscurity, these instruments are now finding their way into modern setups, thanks to bands like Khumariyaan. They’ve inspired a new generation to embrace their musical roots while exploring global sounds.

Khumariyaan’s identity is also tied to their origins. Coming from a region like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, often misrepresented in mainstream media, the band takes pride in showing the beauty, culture, and creativity of their homeland. Their music breaks barriers—geographical, linguistic, and cultural—and resonates with both local and international audiences.

The band’s visual aesthetic is just as impactful as their music. Often dressed in traditional attire during performances, they reinforce the connection between culture and creativity. Whether performing in front of thousands or an intimate crowd, their passion for music is evident in every note.

Conclusion

Khumariyaan is a musical revolution from Pakistan—redefining the boundaries of folk music and showing the world the richness of Pashtun heritage. With their unique fusion of East and West, old and new, they continue to gain recognition worldwide. Their instrumental storytelling transcends language, making Khumariyaan not just a band, but a global musical experience.