Srinagar, Aug 16: Popular Sufi singer Shafi Sopori says Sufi poetry has always been a way for him to connect with the divine, particularly verses written in praise of Prophet Muhammad.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Sopori said that whenever he reads poetry praising the Prophet, he feels it reflects a deeper love for God.
He counts poets such as Rasool Mir, Shams Faqir and Baba Bulleh Shah among those whose works continue to inspire him.
“I enjoy reading their poetry. Their verses are wonderful and deeply inspiring,” he said.
But Sopori’s own identity was shaped by another cultural icon—the late Santoor maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori.
Recalling how he came to be known as Shafi Sopori, he said he was performing at a Radio Kashmir function years ago, where Bhajan Sopori was the chief guest.
“Pandit Bhajan Sopori was impressed by my performance. Later, he came to know that I was also from Sopore. He then told me, ‘From now onwards, you are Shafi Sopori,’” he recalled.
For Sopori, the addition of “Sopori” to his name was more than a stage identity.
“It was a matter of pride for me. People from the elite class also appreciated and admired the fact that I had added Sopore to my name,” he said.
Over the years, his musical influences have extended far beyond Kashmir. He speaks with admiration of legends such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen and Hans Raj Hans, whose voices have inspired generations of musicians.
“They are legends and we have learnt a lot from their singing. They are so deeply connected with the audience that whenever we perform, people often ask us to sing their ghazals,” he said.
Some of Sopori’s most memorable experiences, however, have come from unexpected encounters with audiences.
He recalled one such incident from his days of performing at a hotel in Gulmarg, when a group of visitors approached him after watching his performance.
“They were fascinated and puzzled by my performance. Such experiences have remained memorable for me,” he said.
For Sopori, music has never been only about sound. He has also paid considerable attention to the visual character of his performances.
That vision is reflected in the distinctive dress code followed by his band.
“I have always had a different vision. I had an idea about how we should work and perform before the public. I wanted the stage to look different and for the performance to have its own identity,” he said.
That approach also shaped Jhankaar, the music band he established in 2003.
Before founding Jhankaar, Sopori worked with a band associated with Radio Kashmir. When the group later became smaller, he decided to establish his own band. Jhankaar now has eight members.
Another element that has become synonymous with Sopori’s performances is his habit of sprinkling water over his head while singing.
He said the unusual stage act began almost accidentally.
“Once I was performing somewhere and my body had completely heated up. Later, I told one of my teachers about what had happened. He advised me to sprinkle water over my head whenever I could not handle the heat or became completely lost in the singing,” he said.
“The very next day, when I performed, I sprinkled water over my head. Gradually, it became part of my performance,” he added.
Over the years, Sopori’s music has also received appreciation from prominent personalities, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Shah.
He says such recognition, whether from well-known personalities or ordinary listeners, has continued to encourage him and keep his musical journey alive.
