Mansoor Malangi (1 January 1947 – 10 December 2014) was a celebrated Punjabi and Saraiki folk singer from South Punjab, widely regarded as one of the great voices of the region’s folk tradition. Known to many as the “King of Punjabi Folk,” he was born in the village of Garh More in Jhang District, into a musical family; his father, Pathan Ali, played the sarangi, and Mansoor Malangi inherited his love of music from him.
Mansoor Malangi began his singing career at Radio Pakistan, Lahore, in 1965, and rose to national fame in 1974 with his signature song “Ik Phul Motiye Da.” Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he released more than 200 studio albums, becoming known for his distinctive treatment of the Punjabi dohra and mahiya (traditional couplets), sung with warmth, humour and originality.
Alongside his folk hits, Malangi was also drawn to Sufi poetry, recording renditions of Khwaja Ghulam Farid’s verses including “Akh Phurkandi Aey,” “Guzar Gaya Din Sara” and “Wich Rohi De,” which brought him a devoted following across the Saraiki-speaking belt of South Punjab as well as central Punjab.
In recognition of his contribution to Pakistani folk music, he was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) by the Government of Pakistan in 2012. Mansoor Malangi died of a heart attack in his native Garh More on 10 December 2014, aged 67, and is buried there. His songs remain widely loved across South Punjab and continue to be performed by later generations of his family.
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