Abida Parveen: Ho Jamalo

Posted on November 15, 2008
Filed Under >Adil Najam, Culture & Heritage, Music, People, Poetry
14 Comments
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Adil Najam

We come from a land of some amazing folk anthems. But none, at least for me, has the all-encompassing trance-enducing effect that Ho Jamallo has.

Of course, you cannot possibly sit still through any rendition of Shahbaz Qalandar, but nothing makes one lose ones sense of presence in the present quite the way that Ho Jamallo does. And who better to sing it than Abida Parveen.

This rendition is just as it should be. “Led” by Abida Parveen but sung by the entire room. Every time I listen to this, I feel like wanting to join that first guy who gets up to dance – I, too, cannot dance!

I probably would not get up to dance. But I know exactly the state that he is in. In many ways he – and those who join him – embody the spirit of this anthem even more than Abida Parveen does. It seems that for Abida Parveen, as for them, this is not a “performance” for the audience. This is a “performance” for one’s own self. And, of course, the pinnacle of all art has to be that which you perform for yourself.

I know enough Sindhi to follow some, but not all, of what the words mean. I have not been able to find a good translation and maybe we should all pool our skills to put one together here.

I am hoping that our friend Mast Qalandar (aka Aziz Akhmad) will find it in him to do a post on the history and meaning behind “Ho Jamalo.” I have been able to find little snipets of what this means and why. Maybe, those who know better can fill us in on the details.

Help us, please, write this post.

What is the history of this song and the “Ho Jamalo” chant? What do these words mean? And why does thsi have the effect it has even on those of us who only partially understand the words?

I had really hoped to write a post on all of that, but everytime I hear the song I go into a trance and feel that maybe I should be dancing to the song rather than writing about it!

Also see at ATP:
Faiz Mohammad Baloch: A True Performer
Tribute to a Musical Giant: Khamisu Khan and Son
Tufail Niazi: An Amazing Singer’s Amazing Story
Today in Kot Addu: Remembering Pathanay Khan
Rahim Shah: Going Beyond the Frontier
Atta Ullah Eesakhelvi and the Cassette Revolution
Reshma and Son: The Voice of the Desert

14 responses to “Abida Parveen: Ho Jamalo”

  1. Sridhar says:

    “Ho Jamalo” is one of my all-time favorite songs, popularized by one of my favourite singers – Abida Parveen. I eagerly look forward to more information about the song, its history and its meaning.

  2. Adnan Ahmad says:

    Sindh the beautiful.

  3. Eidee Man says:

    Nice post! I can help you translate, BTW.

  4. Ch. Anwar Ali says:

    I am a long time reader but have never commented before. This is such an excellent selection and both the song and your words resonate with me, so I thought I will write a comment this time.

    I believe this song celebrates the life of a folk hero. Here is what I found on the internet and it is similar to what I have heard before: “It celebrates the gallantry of the 18th century warrior, “Jamal Khan Rind”, who defended his homeland from foreign invaders. Tales of his courage spread from village to village. The song describes Jamalo as ten feet tall with flashing red eyes.”

  5. Sara says:

    Adil, you have a fine taste in music. I always enjoy your posts on our folk music. I have just recently started listening to this ‘real’ music as I am part of the generation that grew on the pop music. Abida Parveen, Tina Sani, Allan Faqir for sure are mesmerizing. I will appreciate frequent posts or suggestions on these as this music gives me hope and courage to keep moving forward despite the turmoil that surrounds us in Pakistan.

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