Eminent Sindhi folk singer and musician Samina Kanwal, who has dedicated half her life to Sindhi music, has been diagnosed with throat cancer. Besides a couple of Sindhi TV channels, her colleague Ustad Barkat Faqeer, grandson of Mahi Baghi, confirmed the news.
When contacted, Ustad Barkat Faqeer revealed that Samina had been away from singing for a couple of months and was undergoing multiple medical examinations at a private hospital in Karachi. A report issued on Wednesday afternoon confirmed the singer's diagnosis.
Sami Baloch, who has served as Executive Programme Manager, took to social media to share the news of Samina Kanwal's illness and urged authorities to take swift action for the treatment of the seasoned folk singer.
Stage actor and programme host Annu Solangi also shared the news and expressed his warm wishes for her swift recovery.
Dr Asif Memon, a senior stage actor and former schoolmate of Samina Kanwal, disclosed that she was born in Kandiaro, a town in Noshero Feroze district, to prominent Sindhi folk singer Zebunisa, a household name in Sindhi folk music during the 1960s and 70s.
In a 2021 interview with broadcaster Naseer Mirza for the Café Saqafat programme by the Sindh Culture Department, Samina revealed that the stalwart host Syed Saleh Muhammad Shah had bestowed upon her the title "Kanwal" (Lotus flower) after being deeply impressed by her singing at the annual Urs ceremony of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
She also revealed that her grandmother, Mai Hurmat, was a folk singer who performed in chorus as a lead vocalist.
Samina rose to fame by singing folk songs, including “Sahera” and “Ladda”, which are traditionally performed at wedding ceremonies and joyous occasions.
Carrying forward her mother's musical legacy, she was trained by Ustad Muhammad Jumman, whom she always referred to as her spiritual and worldly mentor, lovingly calling him “Baba”.
She performed songs for multiple Sindhi TV channels, PTV, and Radio Pakistan, primarily in Sindhi and Balochi languages.
She also sang duets with Sajjad Yousif, Ustad Barkat Faqeer, Awaiz Jumman, Allah Dino Junejo, and Allah Dino Khaskeli.
Her introduction to Radio Pakistan Hyderabad came through Muhammad Jumman, where she recorded poetry by Sachal Sarmast under the supervision of Anwar Baloch.
Ustad Feroz Gul and Ghulam Ali introduced her to the Sindhi film industry, where she contributed songs for films such as Paru Chandio, Paru, Faislo Zameer Jo, Darti Muhinji Maa, Himat, and Likho.
Among her most famous songs are Mahendi Lagandi, Jabal Mather Jur, Udir Kang Qasid, Adi Kunj Wanji, Manah Kaha Dilbar Tahi Jana, Matlab Ja Sab Rishta, Hiya Hayati Mithri Dadi.
In recognition of her services, she has received multiple awards, including the Shah Latif Award and Lal Shahbaz Award.
According to Ustad Barkat Faqeer, doctors have advised Samina against singing and excessive talking, and only close family members and allies are allowed to visit her.
Director-General of the Sindh Culture Department, Habibullah Memon, revealed that the department was in contact with Samina and closely monitoring her medical reports. He stated that Samina is a cultural asset of Sindh, and the department is committed to providing her with full support.