Legendary Pakistani musician and composer Ustad Tafoo, born Altaf Hussain, passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 80.
Ustad Tafoo dedicated nearly six decades to shaping the soundtrack of Pakistan’s Urdu and Punjabi film industry, composing iconic tunes that left an indelible mark on cinema.
With expertise in playing 14 different instruments, Ustad Tafoo was celebrated for his mastery of the tabla and his extraordinary compositions.
He famously collaborated with renowned singers, including Madam Noor Jehan, whom he trained in tabla under the guidance of his teacher, Qadir Bakhsh Pakhawaji, an eminent figure whose disciples include several notable tabla players across the subcontinent.
Ustad Tafoo’s career began in the 1970s with the Punjabi film Anwara, where he created the music for the hit song ‘Sun Waye Balori Akhiyan,’ sung by Madam Noor Jehan. This song, alongside ‘Munda Sheher Lahore Da,’ achieved widespread acclaim, establishing Ustad Tafoo as a musical genius.
Throughout his career, Ustad Tafoo composed for over 100 films and worked alongside legendary artists like Noor Jehan, Shaukat Ali, Inayat Hussain Bhatti, Naheed Akhtar, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He was also featured on Pakistan’s Coke Studio, showcasing his tabla expertise in collaboration with musicians Bilal Maqsood and the pop-rock band Strings.
Ustad Tafoo’s musical legacy is carried on by his sons Tariq and Sajjad and by a family deeply rooted in Pakistan’s music industry.
His work continues to inspire generations, preserving his memory in Pakistan’s musical heritage.
