Raheem Ghamzada (Pashto: رحيم غمزده), born in 1939, was a prominent Afghan poet and singer whose work shaped Pashto folk music and poetry from the 1970s until his death in 2011. Known for blending traditional Eastern music with Western influences, Ghamzada brought a fresh perspective to Pashto music and introduced innovative elements to his compositions. He is celebrated for his contributions to Pashto and Dari poetry, with notable songs like “Zama Khkulay Janana,” “Dilbar e Man,” and “Stargo de Janan.” Ghamzada’s unique musical style and heartfelt poetry continue to inspire artists and audiences in Afghanistan and beyond.
Early Life and Beginnings in Music Of Raheem Ghamzada:
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Ghamzada was born in the Khogyani District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. From a young age, he showed an inclination towards music, starting his journey at just 14. His passion for music led him to a lifelong career at Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), where he would eventually spend six decades enriching Afghan music.
Career and Artistic Contributions Of Raheem Ghamzada
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During his tenure at RTA, Ghamzada recorded nearly two hundred songs for Afghan National Radio and Television. He was the first Pashto singer to incorporate both Eastern and Western musical elements into Pashto folk songs, a novel approach that set him apart. Ghamzada composed all his songs, weaving traditional Pashto melodies with modern rhythms and instrumentals.
His repertoire included renditions of poems by renowned poets such as Ghani Khan and Rehman Baba, while he also performed his own poetry, often singing it with deep emotional resonance. Ghamzada’s style fused classic and contemporary poetry, introducing fresh ideas to Pashto literature. His work earned him numerous awards, and his influence on Afghan music and poetry remains significant.
Ghamzada’s poetry collection, titled Pashto (زما ښکلی جانانه), was compiled and published by Professor Lal Pacha Azmoon of Kabul University, preserving his lyrical contributions for future generations.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ghamzada was a member of the Khogyani tribe, part of Afghanistan’s ethnic Pashtun community. He spent much of his life in the Angorbagh area of Jalalabad’s second district and was known for his humble and passionate personality. He is remembered as a bridge between traditional and modern Afghan poetry, with his legacy extending beyond his songs and poems.
Ghamzada passed away on December 16, 2011, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. His funeral was held in Khogyani District, where he was laid to rest. He is survived by his three sons, who continue to honor his legacy.
Today, Raheem Ghamzada is remembered not only as a pioneering musician but also as a poet who touched the hearts of many through his words and melodies. His work continues to resonate with fans of Pashto music and poetry, marking him as an iconic figure in Afghanistan’s cultural history.