Strings of the Soul: How Nawazish Nasirey Redefined the Art of the Rubab

By: Ahmed Jahangeer Khan

“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow—work hard, for dedication leaves an immortal echo.”

The Rubab—an ancient instrument whose roots trace back to the Arabic Rebab—has long served as the rhythmic heart of Central and South Asian classical music. While historically played with a bow, its evolution into a plucked, fretless masterwork has made it a sacred voice for Pashtun, Balochi, Kashmiri, and Persian musical traditions. In the modern era, preserving this rich heritage requires more than just skill; it demands a soul completely devoted to the craft.

In Balochistan, that devotion is embodied by Nawazish Nasirey—a virtuoso musician, legal scholar, and motivational speaker who did not simply choose music; music chose him.

Inheriting the Rhythm

Born on September 20, 1987, into a family where melody was a second language, Nawazish grew up under the influence of his father, Mr. Peter, a respected harmonium player. Artistic lineage ran deep in his veins, yet his path to mastering the Rubab was anything but traditional.

Equally dedicated to intellect as he was to art, Nawazish pursued rigorous academic qualifications, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and a Master’s degree in International Relations (M.A. IR).

His musical journey began on the strings of an acoustic guitar under the guidance of the late mentor Mr. Bobby. Soon after, a pivotal moment arrived when he was granted a brief, transformative week of training under the legendary Ustad Payinda. That brief encounter ignited a lifelong obsession with the Rubab.

The Pilgrimage to Mastery

Driven to perfect his craft, Nawazish traveled to Lahore to train under Ustad Tanveer Hussain—a maestro of classical music and father to renowned Coke Studio guitarist Taha.

In Lahore, the relationship between master and disciple transcended ordinary instruction. Ustad Tanveer took the young musician under his wing, treating him like a son and guiding him through the intricate nuances of Eastern classical music.

While the journey required immense sacrifices, Nawazish was never alone. Supported fiercely by his sister and a sprawling community of well-wishers, he often reflects that behind his solo performances stands the quiet strength of thousands who believed in his vision.

Strategic Compositions and Cinematic Peak

Nawazish’s career took off after his debut school performance, evolving into high-profile national showcases—including a landmark performance at the T20 Balochistan event in 2014, where he was honored with the official T20 Award.

Beyond his solo work, Nawazish has been a driving force behind two major creative powerhouses: Flame Band (established in 2014) and Melodia Production House (established in 2009). Through Melodia Production House, he has crafted iconic scores and theme songs that have defined regional cinema and institutional media:

• Cinematic Soundtracks: Composed music and original themes for notable films such as Khazana, Abdullah, Sangat (the landmark Balochi feature film), and Siraaj (an Oscar-nominated short film project).
• Television Scores: Composed the soundtrack for the hit drama serial Musafiri Sakhta Khuwari Da, directed and produced by Aman Ullah Nasar.
• Institutional Anthems: Produced official theme songs for prestigious institutions including Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBK), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and the University of Balochistan (UOB).

A Multi-Faceted Legacy

Nawazish’s talent extends far beyond the wooden body of the Rubab. A gifted orator, he is also a recognized motivational speaker who uses his platform to inspire youth across the province, earning the Motivational Speaker Award in 2017.

Reflecting on his journey, Nawazish identifies his master, Ustad Tanveer Hussain, as his ultimate role model—a mentor who taught him that true art demands humility, discipline, and emotional truth. Through every strum of the Rubab, Nawazish Nasirey continues to bridge traditional heritage with modern cinema, keeping the soul of Eastern music alive for generations to come