As the anticipation grew amongst the audience, and with the intensity of the band adding to the drama, you could sense his energy and presence around you. Then, the mere sight of him sent us all into ecstasy, it was hard to contain the emotions. There was a certain pull, as if he had wrapped us all in his magical blanket. The momentary silence was then broken when his voice echoed through the auditorium speakers”.
#instantobservations
You may have read the title and thought there are many variables in this that I don’t understand, but I’m interested in knowing more. I’m glad and a winter sun welcome to you.
Today I’d like to share my thoughts on a musical maestro, a purist in his craft but very much underrated in the world of music. And in the hope you may look him up and listen to his music.
Just who is Satinder Sartaaj? He’s a poet, a writer, a singer and actor all rolled into one. Visit his website and you’ll gain a detailed insight into the man himself.
So what’s he all about? I first went to see Satinder Sartaaj a few years ago at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I’d never heard his music beforehand but indulged myself in a few tracks just to get a flavour of the melody and lyrics. His singing is Panjabi and Sufi mixed, and the latter was something I hadn’t come across before. Here’s a really useful link I found on Sufi music but as a summary Sufi music has no particular style, but more a personal relationship between the singer and the Divine they follow or have a deep rooted affiliation to.
Can you give me a sample of what is sounds like? There are a multitude of songs I could list but as a taster here’s a link to one called Ammi (Mother). In this song Satinder pays tribute to the many roles, trials and tribulations that a mother contends with. Satinder sang this song live the first time we went to see him a few years ago and including my wife and I, there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in the auditorium.
Why Satinder? There are very few people in this world who are lovely souls and their face just lights up the room and picks you up a little higher. In his musical company you are lost, in the zone, forget the outside world, and wrapped in melody. Such souls are messengers to teach us something, plant a seed of positivity in us, and lift us up.
“Panjabi-Sufi Ke Malak”
“Panjabi” (Gurmukhi language originating from Panjab in India)
“Sufi” (Devotional style music of Islamic roots in love of the Divine)
“Ke Malak” (The Master)
The master of Panjabi-Sufi singing
Our recent visit to see Satinder Sartaaj
On Sunday 6th March Satinder came to the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of this UK tour, and this venue was his last show. Once again he delivered a master class of singing, while sharing with the audience a number of new songs. A wonderful evening lost of mesmerising melody. Some memories of the night.
Potato Sandwich 
You must be logged in to post a comment.