DOWNFALL OF URDU MUSIC IN PAKISTAN: STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

Seventy-two years history of music in Pakistan is filled with highs and lows. This research is an attempt to explore the factors for downfall of Urdu music in Pakistan seen through the perceptions of stakeholders. Radio, Television, and films are known to be the basic platforms of music production. Private production houses and lately social media has also emerged as important contributors of music production and promotion in the country. The state-owned Radio and Television no more own the production of Urdu music as their job subject to shortage of funds and shift of preferences from music to news and current affairs programs. Film industry once devastated in late seventies and early eighties is in its regrowth process. Independent music producers and production houses are no exception but are trying to produce something at least. The study explored its objectives through mix of quantitative and qualitative approach. Informal interviews were conducted with musicians and other stakeholders to streamline the hardcore observations transformed into two questionnaires: one for the Music enthusiasts and the other for Music professionals. One open ended question in both questionnaires lead to qualitative analysis of the study combining the factors for downfall of Urdu music in Pakistan. It is revealed through the research that there are six (6) factors the stakeholders perceive, are responsible for the downfall of Urdu music in Pakistan; Social defiance, low quality of music, dormant attitude of successive governments towards music, Indian music and film industry influence, decline of local film industry and lack of music promotion. The growth of Urdu music industry in Pakistan needs quality human resource, coupled with social support and commitment from the government institutions.