I maintain a positive outlook through my practice, viewing my riyaaz as a form of worship. Whether I'm practicing, performing on stage, or engaging in riyaaz, it feels like a spiritual journey, much like visiting a temple, mosque, gurudwara, or church. During these moments, I immerse myself in devotion, as if I'm worshipping the divine. When I play the tabla, I focus on Him, and when I sing, I keep Him in my thoughts. In our culture, we believe that swar represents the Almighty. So, when I talk about swar, I talk about connecting with the divine, making it my form of worship, and that's how I maintain a positive mindset.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shariq Mustafa, a stellar figure among Thirakwa Tabla players, embodies the rich legacy of percussive artistry. Hailing from the Farukhabad gharana, he inherits wisdom from his father, Ustad Rashid Mustafa Thirakwa, and the iconic Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. Serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation, Shariq’s contemporary spirit resonates with timeless melodies. Collaborations with Western virtuosos like Patsy Reid and Manuel Hermia, along with artists Karolina Beimcik and Katayun Gourdazy, illustrate his cross-cultural harmony. Proficient in voice and rhythm, Shariq’s enchanting vocal prowess, influenced by Ustad Sabri Khan, captivates audiences. Shariq’s music journeys have graced international stages, from the London Jazz Festival to performances at the Rashtrapati Bhawan for the late President of India, Sri. Pranab Mukherjee. Learning from luminaries like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Shariq Mustafa shares the vibrancy of Indian music worldwide through lectures and demonstrations, fostering cultural connections. His collaborations, including ‘This Pale’ and ‘Love Stories,’ create musical masterpieces transcending borders in the realm of World Music.
Shariq Mustafa, a stellar figure among Thirakwa Tabla players, embodies the rich legacy of percussive artistry. Hailing from the Farukhabad gharana, he inherits wisdom from his father, Ustad Rashid Mustafa Thirakwa, and the iconic Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. Serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation, Shariq’s contemporary spirit resonates with timeless melodies. Collaborations with Western virtuosos like Patsy Reid and Manuel Hermia, along with artists Karolina Beimcik and Katayun Gourdazy, illustrate his cross-cultural harmony. Proficient in voice and rhythm, Shariq’s enchanting vocal prowess, influenced by Ustad Sabri Khan, captivates audiences. Shariq’s music journeys have graced international stages, from the London Jazz Festival to performances at the Rashtrapati Bhawan for the late President of India, Sri. Pranab Mukherjee. Learning from luminaries like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Shariq Mustafa shares the vibrancy of Indian music worldwide through lectures and demonstrations, fostering cultural connections. His collaborations, including ‘This Pale’ and ‘Love Stories,’ create musical masterpieces transcending borders in the realm of World Music.
