Traditional instruments giving way to electronics

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LAHORE — Electric guitars, computerised keyboards and drum kits are in great demand these days, which may explain why the appeal of traditional musical instruments is rapidly declining, said Riaz Ahmed, a shopkeeper and instrument-maker in Lahore, on August 25.

Lahore's 'Walled City' is thought to contain the oldest music district in Pakistan, and has many instrument shops that cater to both modern and traditional musicians.

Disappointed, Riaz said that the musicians' community is now opting for modern electronics over traditional instruments. Recent sales trends in Lahore have shown a dramatic decrease in the demand for instruments such as the dil ruba, surmandal, harmonium, sitar and sarangi.

Riaz said that since TV and radio programmes now rarely feature classic traditional music, there has been a parallel decline in pubic interest in it. “The young generation is not interested in sarangi or harmonium music. They only look for hi-tech, [and] that’s what is getting [more] popular by the day.”

Many families who have been instrument-makers for generations have moved on to other professions, or have migrated abroad. The overall number of skilled craftsmen has also been declining since the mid 1990s.

The traditionalists are facing bleak times. There is no government initiative to support a market for their craft, according to instrument-makers and traders. “The government should promote and encourage all small businesses and handicrafts,” Riaz said. “We need a platform…for local professional musicians.”

At present, the electric guitar is the top selling music instrument, followed by keyboards and drums,” said Irfan, a shopkeeper at Liberty market. “The younger generation, particularly secondary school and university students ask for a guitar.”