Samina Hasan Syed

Samina Hasan Syed, (29th December 1944 - 16th September 2016) sixth of nine siblings, was born in Ferozepur to Qamar Sultana and Syed Ahmed Hasan. Her father Syed Ahmed Hasan, was a senior government servant. When Samina was about twelve years old, her paternal aunt Saeeda Bano, heard her sing. Impressed and excited she asked Samina's parents to arrange singing lessons for the gifted child. Even though it was a conservative Syed family, Samina’s parents asked Master Fateh Ali to give vocal training to her. Naturally gifted with a beautiful voice, Samina was trained by Master Fateh for basic note application. After a couple of years, Samina was introduced to Bhai Chhaila. Bhai Chhaila (1895-1983) hailed from the Tarn Taran lineage of rababis and was associated with the court of Maharajah of Patiala. He was a very well known singer of his time. Bhai Chhaila trained Samina for a few years. She also learnt from Feroze Nizami Sahib briefly before spending extended years under the tutelage of Ustad Chhotay Ghulam Ali Khan of Qawwal Bacha Gharana, till his death in 1986.

From the age of 12, Samina had started performing in school and later in college and the All Pakistan Music Conference. After completing her MSc in Home Economics, she was asked to introduce music as a subject at her Alma mater, College of Home Economics, Lahore (now the University of Home Economics). She taught the theory of music for over three decades. Samina hosted the weekly Sangat and lead the music at her residence, 49 Jail Road, Lahore, from the early 1970s until her death in 2016. This is the music her husband, Najm Hosain Syed who is a playwright, poet and critic, composed. She dedicated her entire life to music.

Biography courtesy Khayalmala and Samina's daugher Risham Syed.