The Scent of Kharabat: A Concert for Afghanistan

Ustad Shahbaz Hussain tabla*

Saphwat Simab rubab*

Gholam Najrabi zirbaghali

*Please note the change of tabla and rubab players: Saphwat Simab replaces Ustad Ghulam Hussain; and Ustad Shahbaz Hussain replaces Feraydoon Meyazada. We are sorry that Ustad & Feraydoon are unable to join us, but we are delighted that Saphwat & Shahbaz were able to step in.

This concert in support of Afghanistan – its people and musicians – brings three professional musicians to the Temple Church. The title – The Scent of Kharabat – is inspired by the musicians’ quarter in the old city (Kucha-e-Kharabat) from where many generations of master musicians have emanated. Sadly, under the Taliban, musicians in the country are now in grave danger of their lives. These three performers learned their respective instruments from well-known rubab, tabla and zirbaghali (percussion) masters. Gholam Najrabi himself was forced to leave Afghanistan and seek protection in Europe. All three musicians are dedicated teachers as well as performers in the spirit of keeping these musical traditions alive.

This event is an externally-promoted concert in aid of Afghanistan, with the funds raised going to support the work of The Afghan Musicians Fund and Omid International two organisations working respectively to support Afghan musicians in need and women and targeted individuals.