Music often serves as a bridge between heritage and modernity. For Damsaaz, it is also a mission to safeguard an endangered language while creating sounds that resonate across cultures.
Formed by young artists from Gulmit, Gojal, and Hunza, Damsaaz is a music group focused on preserving culture through sound. The group began at the Bulbulik Heritage Centre (based in Gulmit), where students came together to protect the Wakhi language, an endangered dialect listed by UNESCO.
The band is led by Faizan Arman Ali, vocalist and guitarist, whose voice and compositions shape their identity. Abdul Wajid plays the rubab, adding traditional melodies into the band’s sound. Basit Gulbasti handles flute and percussion, while Rehan Ali adds further depth as vocalist and harmonium player. The rhythm section is anchored by Nawaz Ruzdor on traditional drums and Tariq Ruzdor on kettle drums. Together, they make music that reflects their rich cultural heritage.
Damsaaz also performs in Shaam-e-Mastana, an initiative of Nomadic Experiences. The event revives the cherished practice of Bazam, where musicians and communities gather to share songs and stories. Through this, they keep cultural traditions alive.
Alongside this work, the band aims to collaborate with artists across Pakistan, connecting influences and building cultural exchange. Through their artistry, Damsaaz emerges as a vibrant voice from the mountains, skillfully navigating the intersection of tradition and innovation.
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### In an exclusive interview with Instep, the band talks about their past, present, and future.
**Instep:** What role has the Bulbulik Heritage Centre (BHC) played in shaping your music journey?
**Damsaaz:** Bulbulik was our launching pad. It gave us the first chance to step into music. This place allowed us to connect with our Wakhi roots and explore traditional sounds. We started as students, became performers, and later trainers. It has been both learning and teaching, which helped us grow while also playing our part in preserving Wakhi heritage.
**Instep:** What kind of resources and opportunities did you gain during your time at BHC?
**Damsaaz:** Bulbulik gave us access to traditional Wakhi instruments like the rubab, ghazhek, flute, and sitar. It created an environment where we explored our cultural roots while experimenting with fresh sounds. The training laid the groundwork, while performances at local gigs and larger stages across Pakistan built our confidence and strengthened our cultural pride.
**Instep:** How is music taught and learned at Bulbulik, and what makes the approach unique?
**Damsaaz:** We learn music through a master-apprentice system. Experienced musicians guide us in technique as well as the cultural stories behind the music. It goes beyond strumming notes. We learn the history, the poetry, and the language of Wakhi traditions. Bulbulik is co-ed, which breaks barriers and shows that Wakhi music is a shared treasure for the community.
**Instep:** Who are the musicians at Bulbulik that inspire you the most, and why?
**Damsaaz:** Rozi Shah and Mazuz Shah inspire us. They advanced Wakhi music and gave back to the centre as trainers. Mazuz, with his band Shumol, blends fresh sounds with tradition.
**Instep:** What are the biggest challenges musicians from your region have to deal with?
**Damsaaz:** We face hurdles such as limited access to global platforms and funding. We believe in building partnerships with international organisations, using digital channels to showcase our music, and applying for grants to cover recording and travel expenses. When local efforts align with external support, artists from Hunza can bring Wakhi culture to the world stage.
**Instep:** In what ways has USAID’s support influenced your growth as musicians?
**Damsaaz:** USAID has been important for us. Their Small Grants and Ambassadors Fund Program in 2016 provided instruments and a dedicated learning space at Bulbulik. Without that support, many of us might not have found our way into music. On a larger scale, USAID gave us opportunities to perform internationally, connecting our remote mountain community with the wider world.
**Instep:** How do you see your contribution to keeping Wakhi culture alive through music?
**Damsaaz:** We believe music speaks to the soul. People connect even if they do not understand the language. We explain the meaning of our songs during shows, which sparks interest in the Wakhi language and culture. That exchange is central to our impact.
**Instep:** Which folk instruments are part of your sound?
**Damsaaz:** Our group plays the rubab, gabbi flute, Dadang drum, Damal kettle drums, and surnai. These instruments bring the raw spirit of Wakhi folk music and give audiences an authentic cultural experience.
**Instep:** How do you manage to keep a balance between traditional sounds and modern influences during performances? How do audiences usually respond to the traditional instruments you play?
**Damsaaz:** Every performance is curated. We prepare setlists based on the audience and adjust live if the crowd shows more interest in a particular style. This adaptability helps us balance traditional and contemporary sounds and create a unique experience. Since our shows are presented as folk, the response is positive. Audiences often recognise the instruments after performances. The rubab and drums draw the most attention and set the emotional tone.
**Instep:** When it comes to drums, do you stick to traditional styles or explore modern elements as well?
**Damsaaz:** We stay true to tradition with all drum sounds, using instruments like the tumbak or darbuka when appropriate. We avoid electronic drumming and use only an acoustic guitar for rhythm.
**Instep:** With Wakhi being a lesser-known language for many people in Pakistan, how do you connect with audiences who don’t understand the lyrics? Do you translate, or approach it differently?
**Damsaaz:** Wakhi is spoken by a small community, so the lyrics may feel distant for some. Rhythm and storytelling bridge the gap. We also explain song backgrounds, which keeps audiences engaged and curious about our culture.
**Instep:** Who do you see as the ideal audience for your folk-contemporary fusion music?
**Damsaaz:** Our main listeners are young people, especially between 18 to 30 years, who explore fusion sounds that mix tradition and modernity. Wakhi speakers of all ages also connect deeply because the music reflects their heritage.
**Instep:** Looking back, what performances stand out as the most memorable for you and why?
**Damsaaz:** Our debut gig in Karachi will always hold a special place, especially as we organised a small event for fans from Hunza. Later, in Islamabad, we teamed up with Nomadic Experiences for Shaam-e-Mastana, which revived Bazam for wider audiences. One highlight was jamming with Obaid Khan from Khumariyaan. Faizan and Wajid later opened a show for Khumariyaan last September, sharing the stage with other artists. Additionally, corporate shows took us to Shigar, Peer Sohawa, Swat, and Nathia Gali. Performing in these valleys has been unforgettable.
**Instep:** What is your opinion about the challenges women face at concerts in Pakistan, and how do you make your shows safer for them?
**Damsaaz:** It is a real issue in Pakistan’s music scene. We address it by enforcing a no-stags policy at our shows. This ensures audiences are made up of families or mixed groups, creating a safer space for women.
**Instep:** What kind of collaborations are you most interested in, and what do you hope to achieve through them?
**Damsaaz:** We are open to collaborating with artists from all genres, not only folk. Each collaboration is a chance to learn, expand audiences, and introduce more people to Wakhi culture and language.
**Instep:** Can you tell us about the new projects you are working on that mix heritage with modern sounds?
**Damsaaz:** We are working on a project that fuses heritage with contemporary vibes. It is close to us, and we look forward to sharing it with audiences very soon.
**Instep:** How do you experiment with different genres?
**Damsaaz:** Our jam sessions are based on experimentation. We mix local beats with unexpected melodies until something works. Guitars and harmoniums alongside traditional instruments open new possibilities. Audience feedback and current trends also shape our sound.
**Instep:** What is the main message you want people to take away from your music?
**Damsaaz:** Our music reflects love for the art and respect for heritage. We aim to present Wakhi culture while promoting harmony and diversity. Music is a universal language, and we hope it inspires people to embrace differences and share emotions.
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**Damsaaz on Challenges Regional Musicians Face**
“We face hurdles such as limited access to global platforms and funding. We believe in building partnerships with international organisations, using digital channels to showcase our music, and applying for grants to cover recording and travel expenses. When local efforts align with external support, artists from Hunza can bring Wakhi culture to the world stage.”
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Damsaaz continues to be a vibrant cultural force, blending the richness of Wakhi heritage with the possibilities of modern music, inspiring audiences both locally and globally.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345086-in-conversation-with-damsaaz