April 10, 2024
By Kamran Ali
PESHAWAR
Popular musician and founder of Hunri Tolna (a non-profit dedicated to teaching music to poor students) Rashid Ahmed Khan was recently conferred a PhD in Pashto music by the Department of Pashto at the University of Peshawar. Not only is his academic achievement a significant milestone in the Swabi native’s illustrious career, this is also the first time anyone has successfully obtained a doctorate in Pashto folk music.
Khan’s journey from musician to the academy began with a deepening interest in the theoretical underpinnings of his art.
“My doctoral dissertation delves into various schools of thought within Pashto music and literature, namely Paktiayee, Logar, Yousafzai, Kandahari, and Nangrahari, representing all the Pashtun tribes,” he explains.
Khan’s meticulous research involved over 2,000 interviews with musicians, experts and folk artists across diverse regions. Spanning 6,000 years of musical history, his study sheds light on the evolution of Pashto music and the pivotal role of musical instruments in preserving its rhythms. The resulting thesis offers profound insights into the cultural significance and enduring resilience of Pashto musical traditions.
With a remarkable discography comprising eight albums and over 200 songs, Khan’s compositions resonate deeply with audiences across Pashto-speaking regions, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration. His PhD not only signifies a new dimension to his artistic persona but also reaffirms his stature as a leading figure in Pashto music.
Reflecting on his journey, Khan revealed the challenges he encountered, including skepticism and discouragement from family, friends, and even some teachers. However, his unwavering commitment and inspiration propelled him forward, defying societal norms and expectations to attain a once-imperceivable goal.
“In our society, people do not even welcome music, let alone to accomplish a PhD on the same. Even some teachers were reluctant to supervise me,” he narrates.
Speaking to Voicepk.net, Khan mentions that he has drawn inspiration from renowned figures such as Ghani Khan and Rahman Baba, whose poetry were his musical muse. Additionally, he attributes much of his artistic development to the indirect mentorship of Afghan musician Mohammad Sadiq Fitrat (professionally known as Nashenas) and Sardar Ali Takkar, both of whom he regards as his guiding lights in the realm of music.
“I followed the footsteps of Nashenas who, I believed, also had a PhD on music. Though I later found out that Nashenas’s dissertation was Rehman Baba Akhlaqiyat,” he clarifies, without any doubt of his historical achievement.
Khan emphasizes the importance of meaningful poetry and music, highlighting their enduring impact on listeners. He believes that while superficial trends may garner temporary attention, it is the depth of the lyrics and music which leave a lasting impression on generations to come.