Allan Faqir (Late)

Allan Fakir was a Pakistani folk singer, was best known for his devotional singing and traditional folk dancing.  He born in 1932 at Aamri village, District Jamshoro. His mother expired soon after his birth. He spent his childhood in Manjhand, near Sehwan.

Allan Faqir hails from Mangrasi tribe. According to the traditions of this caste, Allan Fakir's father used to beat the drum and sing traditional songs at weddings and his brothers still sing in weddings. His memory was very quick, even though, he could not read and write.  

He was initially trained in singing by his father. When Allan was only a teenager, he used to sing sad songs and this habit not was liked by his father. As he was deprived of a motherly love so he in try to gid rid of this, he went at the tomb of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai at Bhit Shah, where he then started living. He was very touched in hearing 'Latifi Raag' every night. He was Encouraged by Faqir Zawar Qurban Ali Lanjwani and Moolchand Maharaj, Allan Fakir began to sing Bhitai's poetry at shrine and spent next twenty years.

He was introduced to Radio Pakistan and then to Pakistan Television Corporation in Hyderabad by Mumtaz Mirza from where he gradually rose to new heights of success. Allan focused upon spiritualism in his singing. His song ‘Allah Allah Kar Bhaiya’, recorded in 1986, which he sang along with Muhammad Ali Shehki became immensely popular. In gratitude of his services to folk singing, he was given a job and house at institute of Sindhology.

He was bestowed with the presidential honour of ‘Pride of Performance’ in 1980. He also also received Shahbaz Award in 1987, Shah Latif Award in 1992, and Kandh Kot Award in 1993. Allan Faqeer died on 4 Jul 2000 after suffering from paralysis attack at Liaqat National Hospital Karachi.