Bulbul Shireen | LLMC Ensemble Hunza

This track opens with Pir Ali-e-lolo, played on the traditional Xhighini. Pir Ali was once the final outpost of the Hunza State toward China; today, it lies behind the border, but its memory lives on in the Lolo. A Lolo isn't just music—it’s a vessel for grief, used by the natives to remember the people and the land they left behind. A song of sorrow for a place that time and borders have changed forever. The main part of the music is "Bulbul Shireen" featuring the LLMC ensemble. This music video introduces Bulbul Shireen, a well-known melody from the Gojal Valley in Upper Hunza, regarded as one of the most melodious compositions within the Hareep music tradition of Gilgit-Baltistan. Its name beautifully captures its essence: “bulbul”—the Persian word for a melodious nightingale—and “shireen,” meaning sweetness, together symbolising the sweet, enchanting song of a nightingale. Performed using traditional instruments such as the Dadang and Xhighini, Bulbul Shireen reflects the richness and continuity of the musical heritage of Pakistan’s northern areas. The music fades out with the famous Tajwar Hareep, specifically the “Phuk-e-Hareep” melody. A symbol of Hunza’s cultural pride and the heartbeat of its traditional gatherings. Through performances like these, young musicians are not only learning their craft but also helping preserve and celebrate cultural traditions for future generations. Music Credits: Arrangement: Mujeeb Ruzik Rubab: Ilhan Karim, Shoaib Noor, Hasnain Karim, Aliyan Ali Xhighini: Muhammad Hunaid and Asiya Shah Chitrali Sitar: Ali Hamza, Fatima Amin, Inam Karim Percussions: Adnan Karim and Mehwish Qadir Violin: Karim Aman Production Credits: Director: Arsalan Haider Associate Director: Amjad Ali Cinematographer: Awais Abid Second Camera: Ahtisham Ahmed Colorist: Humza Yousaf Post Production: Filmbug Productions Mix - Master: Zyad Ahmad Tariq Live audio recording: Mujeeb Ruzik - Arsalan Haider Production House: Filmbug Productions All rights reserved to Leif Larsen Music Center, Hunza, and Aga Khan Cultural Service - Pakistan. #llmc #bulbulshireen #gilgitbaltistan #hunza #northernpakistan #traditionalmusic #folkmusic #culturalheritage #hareep