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Ustad Noor Bakhsh

Ustad Noor Bakhsh is a celebrated Pakistani Balochi folk musician and master of the benju  a traditional keyed zither deeply rooted in Balochi musical heritage After spending most of his life as a fisherman and shepherd on the Makran coast he gained international recognition later in life for his distinctive electric benju performances and highly improvisational musical style His music combines traditional Balochi melodies with elements of Persian music South Asian raga and Western musical influences making him one of the most distinctive contemporary representatives of Balochistan’s folk heritage

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Ustad Noor Bakhsh Balochi Folk Musician Benju Master

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His 2026 schedule includes appearances at major international festivals including WOMAD in Wiltshire and the Cambridge Folk Festival further expanding the global audience for Balochi folk music

Now in his early 80s Noor Bakhsh remains one of the most unexpected breakout figures in world music having performed approximately 80 shows across Europe and the United States since 2023

Following his sold out UK debut at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2025 he continues to receive opportunities to perform at leading British music venues and festivals

His distinctive electric benju sound continues to attract listeners interested in traditional music world music improvisation and culturally rooted musical traditions

Through his international performances Noor Bakhsh is introducing traditional Balochi musical traditions to audiences around the world while preserving the character and authenticity of his regional musical heritage

His continued international success represents a remarkable late career breakthrough demonstrating that traditional musicians can reach worldwide audiences regardless of age or conventional industry pathways

Career Highlights

2026
Continued International Touring
Continued International Touring
Noor Bakhsh continues to perform internationally with a major European touring schedule spanning Germany Poland Austria and the United Kingdom including appearances at WOMAD and Cambridge Folk Festival
2025
Sold Out London Debut
Sold Out London Debut
At the age of approximately 81 Noor Bakhsh performed his first UK concert at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall which sold out His UK appearances expanded to venues and cultural institutions including Band on the Wall Firth Hall and the Barbican Centre
2023
International Vinyl Release & World Tours
International Vinyl Release & World Tours
Jingul received an international vinyl release through UK label Hive Mind Records Noor Bakhsh subsequently began performing extensively across Europe and the United States appearing at internationally recognised festivals including Glastonbury Roskilde Le Guess Who Rudolstadt and WOMEX
2022
International Discovery & Jingul
International Discovery & Jingul
Musician and anthropologist Daniyal Ahmed located Noor Bakhsh in Pasni and recorded his music This collaboration led to the release of Jingul his acclaimed international debut album inspired by birdsong nature and the musical traditions of Balochistan
1970s–2010s
Collaborations with Baloch Musicians
Collaborations with Baloch Musicians
Throughout his career he performed alongside prominent Baloch musicians including Arif Baloch and Noor Khan Bezanjo further strengthening his reputation within Balochistan’s folk music community
1960s
Early Musical Beginnings
Early Musical Beginnings
Noor Bakhsh began playing the benju during his childhood and developed his musical abilities through informal learning from his father and respected local musicians including Khuda Bakhsh and Rehmat

Personal Life

Early Life

Full Name:Noor Bakhsh

Nationality: Pakistani

Date of Birth:  1945

Birthplace:Gaddani Makran Coast Balochistan Pakistan

Musical Education

Noor Bakhsh did not receive formal academic or conservatory training His musical knowledge developed through traditional informal learning and mentorship

Profession

Balochi Folk Musician and Benju Player

Lifestyle

Music & Improvisation

Noor Bakhsh is known for an intensely personal improvisational style His performances often move beyond conventional arrangements allowing him to explore melodies rhythms and musical ideas spontaneously

Traditional Heritage

His music remains deeply connected to Balochi culture and the musical traditions of the Makran region

At the same time his performances incorporate Persian ornamentation Indian raga inspired improvisation and Western influenced scales creating a distinctive cross cultural sound

Resourcefulness & Innovation

Noor Bakhsh developed his own electric performance setup using a single coil pickup a locally engineered amplifier and alternative power sources including a car battery and solar panel

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FAQ's

Who is Ustad Noor Bakhsh

Ustad Noor Bakhsh is a Pakistani Balochi folk musician renowned for his distinctive electric benju playing and his contribution to the preservation and international promotion of Balochi musical heritage

He is best known for his highly improvisational electric benju performances and his internationally acclaimed debut album Jingul which introduced his music to a global audience

Musician and anthropologist Daniyal Ahmed tracked Noor Bakhsh down in Pasni after his performance video gained attention online He subsequently recorded his music which contributed to the release of Jingul in 2022

Yes Noor Bakhsh remains active internationally and continues to perform at concerts and major festivals across Europe and other international locations

Noor Bakhsh has helped introduce Balochi musical traditions to international audiences through his distinctive benju technique improvisational style and fusion of regional musical traditions with broader world music influences

Ustad Noor Bakhsh Says:

“Music does not need boundaries When tradition is played with freedom it can travel from a small coastal village to audiences around the world”

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