Many who wish to pursue music often encounter the daunting task of selecting an instrument, learning it, and making it speak their language. But for Sujawal resident Khamiso Mallah, this has never posed a problem, for he could just purse his lips together and blow to recreate a melody from any instrument he desires.
On its own, it may not seem much of a feat, but given his age and the fact he has spent his life miles away from the hustle, bustle and opportunities to engage in the arts that many find in the urban settled districts, his talent is of great interest.
Unsurprisingly, when he was recently recorded phonating different tunes, including a flute, the video posted on the social media platform Tik-Tok instantly went viral.
An hours-long search led to a thatched hut some eight kilometres from the small town of Jati in Sujawal.
There, sat in the shade seeking respite from the punishing sun, was the septuagenarian man with the knack for mimicking different flute tunes.
His abilities evoked memories of seasoned comedian Qadir Bux Mithu who could also mouth various voices and phonate tunes of different instruments.
While Mallah can mimic several melodious tunes, he is most adept at playing the traditional "Snake Charmer" tune. These tunes are traditionally produced by a slightly different flute, called 'Pungi' - made from a dry hollowed gourd with two bamboo attachments rather than a single reed or bamboo used to make the flute.
The reason for this was not that there were a lot of snakes where he lived. Rather, it was due to his affiliation with the local community of Jogi's, Mostly settled in neighbouring Thar, Jogis are experts at playing the Pungi to charm and trap snakes. Later they train the snakes to do tricks to amaze onlookers.
When asked how he developed this expertise, the 72-year-old said he always had the ability. Lacking other means for recreation, humming and phonating tunes became an escape from his daily struggles. It helped sharpen his skills and abilities.
However, his talents never gained him much fame in his neighbourhood. That is until he was recorded on video, and it went viral.
"A few days ago, a youngster recorded me while phonating. And now you are here," Mallah said during his interview. He added that days after recording the video, another local journalist told him he had become popular across the district. Now several thousand people knew who he was.
To Mallah, such fame has only meant visits from some curious people who record his performances and leave.
Pointing to Mallah's six children, who all roamed bare feet, a man from Mallah's village said. At the same time, he may have gained the attention of the public, but the provincial government has yet to take notice. With notice comes hope of support from the government or at least local politicians and the promise of some ease in his life.
The villager said that poverty and hunger are two of Mallah's biggest enemies. On days that Mallah loses to them, he and his children sleep on empty stomachs.
Despite his pressing circumstances, the villager said Mallah has never asked for help.
On its own, it may not seem much of a feat, but given his age and the fact he has spent his life miles away from the hustle, bustle and opportunities to engage in the arts that many find in the urban settled districts, his talent is of great interest.
Unsurprisingly, when he was recently recorded phonating different tunes, including a flute, the video posted on the social media platform Tik-Tok instantly went viral.
An hours-long search led to a thatched hut some eight kilometres from the small town of Jati in Sujawal.
There, sat in the shade seeking respite from the punishing sun, was the septuagenarian man with the knack for mimicking different flute tunes.
His abilities evoked memories of seasoned comedian Qadir Bux Mithu who could also mouth various voices and phonate tunes of different instruments.
While Mallah can mimic several melodious tunes, he is most adept at playing the traditional "Snake Charmer" tune. These tunes are traditionally produced by a slightly different flute, called 'Pungi' - made from a dry hollowed gourd with two bamboo attachments rather than a single reed or bamboo used to make the flute.
The reason for this was not that there were a lot of snakes where he lived. Rather, it was due to his affiliation with the local community of Jogi's, Mostly settled in neighbouring Thar, Jogis are experts at playing the Pungi to charm and trap snakes. Later they train the snakes to do tricks to amaze onlookers.
When asked how he developed this expertise, the 72-year-old said he always had the ability. Lacking other means for recreation, humming and phonating tunes became an escape from his daily struggles. It helped sharpen his skills and abilities.
However, his talents never gained him much fame in his neighbourhood. That is until he was recorded on video, and it went viral.
"A few days ago, a youngster recorded me while phonating. And now you are here," Mallah said during his interview. He added that days after recording the video, another local journalist told him he had become popular across the district. Now several thousand people knew who he was.
To Mallah, such fame has only meant visits from some curious people who record his performances and leave.
Pointing to Mallah's six children, who all roamed bare feet, a man from Mallah's village said. At the same time, he may have gained the attention of the public, but the provincial government has yet to take notice. With notice comes hope of support from the government or at least local politicians and the promise of some ease in his life.
The villager said that poverty and hunger are two of Mallah's biggest enemies. On days that Mallah loses to them, he and his children sleep on empty stomachs.
Despite his pressing circumstances, the villager said Mallah has never asked for help.