For the First Time in Europe: “Nar Sur”: Throat Singing and Music from Balochistan
About the Musicians
Nar Sur is a rare throat-singing and musical tradition from Balochistan (Pakistan), deeply rooted in poetry, oral transmission, and everyday life within Balochi communities. For the first time, this living tradition will be shared in Europe by three musicians from the Bugti tribe.
Asad – Algoza (Narri)
Asad is a highly accomplished algoza player within the Nar Sur tradition. The algoza is a double flute consisting of a melody pipe and a drone. Through his distinctive breathing technique, he creates the rhythmic foundation of the music. Asad has been performing with passion for many years at concerts, ceremonies, and community gatherings. Within the tradition, he fulfills the role of Narri (flute player).
Ameen – Dambiro (Balochi Tambura)
Ameen is a young and promising musician. He plays the dambiro, a traditional string instrument known for its rich sound. After the passing of his father, a respected musician, Ameen continued his musical legacy. Through his playing, he supports his family and actively contributes to preserving Balochi musical heritage.
Haider Ali – Throat Singing (Surri)
Haider Ali is an experienced and highly respected Nar Sur throat singer. As Surri, he weaves his voice together with the sounds of the algoza and dambiro, bringing Balochi poetry to life through song. His repertoire consists of songs and stories passed down through generations, captivating audiences with depth and intensity.
A historic cultural moment
Internationally, Balochistan is often visible only through reports of political tension and hardship. This tour offers a different perspective: Balochistan seen through its music, culture, rich storytelling, and its people.
This project marks a special cultural milestone: the first time this throat-singing and musical tradition is presented live to European audiences. For concert venues, festivals, and cultural organizations, it offers a rare opportunity to present a largely unknown yet deeply authentic musical culture.
Concerts & Interactive Workshops
The tour consists of two closely connected elements:
Concerts
At the heart of the concerts is the sharing of music and stories. Audiences experience Nar Sur in its full expressive power. Performances are enriched with short explanations and stories about the origins and meanings of the music.
Interactive Workshops
Alongside concerts, the musicians offer workshops and in-depth sessions. Participants have the unique opportunity to:
- explore Nar Sur throat-singing techniques
- learn about the cultural context of the music
- learn playing traditional instruments such as the algoza
Photo Material
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Video Promotion
Concert Description
Ready-to-use text for publication (venues and festivals are free to copy and paste):
Nar Sur is a powerful and distinctive throat-singing and musical tradition from Balochistan (Pakistan). Deeply rooted in language and poetry, this tradition has long served as a vital way of preserving history, knowledge, and collective memory. Without Nar Sur, much of Balochistan’s cultural heritage might have been lost.
For the first time in Europe, three Balochi musicians bring this ancient, living tradition to the stage.
During the concert, the algoza (double flute), the dambiro (Balochi tambura), and characteristic throat singing come together in an intense musical interplay. Melody, rhythm, and voice merge with Balochi poetry to create a sound world that is raw, meditative, and hypnotic. The music tells stories of land, history, community, and human connection.
Alongside the music, the musicians share insights and stories about the origins and meanings of the songs. This creates not just a concert, but an encounter with a living culture rarely heard beyond its own region. The performance offers audiences a unique chance to experience Nar Sur as it is meant to be: music that is not merely performed, but lived. A rare and special concert where tradition, story, and sound come together — for the first time in Europe.
