Ghazal/Thumri Music of Fiji

The Mushatri from 1934 to 2004 was the first Indian Ghazal/Thumri supporter from Lucknow, India who lived in Fiji. She was a disciple of her father Ustad Amajad Ali, a Thumri supporter. She later learned in India from the great like Ustad Faiyaz Khaqn and Shamla Bhave of Bangalore, India, her strange vocal ability in her voice ranged close to 4 octaves and in her prime, quickly ruled the charts of Fiji’s music industry. During her career she won 36 trophies and several recognitions and awards between 1947 and also in 1973, she was awarded the title Malika-e-Ghazal or Queen of Ghazal by the Indian High Consulate in the year 1973.

source of picture: www.cakitches.com

An international renowned star table player and Ghazal wizard Cassius Khan was born in Lautoja, Fiji has associated with some great world musicians and is the only known musician in the world who plays table and sings ghazals at the same time. The senior disciple of the late Mushtari Begum, is recently based on Vancouver and is also recognized as one of the treasures of Canada as he has received the Salute to excellence award and has several albums to his credit, Khan who also made history as the first ever Indian classical ghazal/tabla player performed at the SXSW festival in Austin Texas in the year 2008 and also the Canada music week festival in Toronto, Canada in the year 2009.