Shahbaz Hussain Khan honoured

Shahbaz Hussain Khan with Mayor Peter Rush and guests

Shahbaz Hussain Khan has been honoured as an Ustad by the Multicultural Arts and Media Centre (MAMC) in a special ceremony. The ceremony was the first of its kind to happen in the UK and was attended by over 100 people, including the Mayor Peter Rush and local councillors.

Shahbaz, who is based in Rochdale, is fast emerging as one of the most promising Tabla Virtuosos of his generation.

He was decorated with the honour by the Mayor Peter Rush, Councillor Surrinder Biant, Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan and Mohammed Sarwar, Chief Executive of the Multicultural Arts and Media Centre.

During the ceremony, special messages from Ustads were sent to Shahbaz. These included messages from Ustad Faiyaz Khan from Delhi, Ustad Ghulam Abbas from Pakistan and Raza Shaukat Hussain Khan.

Mohammed Sarwar gave a presentation of Shahbaz’s background, his journey though learning, his career in Tabla performances, teaching and information regarding awards he has been given in the past.

Ustad Shahbaz Hussain said: “With everyone’s blessings I will do my best to honour the title and genuinely spread my knowledge of art to all communities.”

Mayor Peter Rush said: “The ceremony organised by MAMC for Shahbaz was an absolute honour to be a part of, which will put Rochdale on the map, both at a national level and an international level.”

The Mayor invited Shahbaz to attend a signing and a photo shoot at the Mayor’s parlor.

Shahbaz gave a solo Tabla performance accompanied by Razwan Sarwar on the lehra. Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan delivered a mesmerizing performance on the Sitar, followed by Rawan Sawar on Keyboard and Irshad Ali Mehdi on Ghazals.

A reception evening was then held after the ceremony by Worldwide Cash and Carry at Quckoo Takeaway.