Ustad Muhammad Juman (10 October 1935 – 24 January 1990) was a celebrated Sindhi and Saraiki classical folk singer, remembered as one of the most innovative voices in the folk music of Sindh and South Punjab. He was born in the village of Sorra in the Lasbela District of Balochistan, to Haji Ahmed Sakhirani, a musician of the Sakhirani clan.
Juman received formal training from the respected Pakistan Television music tutor Ustad Nazar Hussain, who had also mentored the legendary Madam Noor Jehan. He began his professional life at Radio Pakistan Karachi as a surando (fiddle) player, before establishing himself as a singer at the Karachi and later Hyderabad stations, where he also had the opportunity to compose music.
Over his career, Juman recorded thousands of songs in Urdu, Sindhi and Saraiki, becoming especially renowned for his soulful Kafi “Yaar Dadi Ishq Aatish Lai Hai,” which remains one of the most beloved Sufi folk recordings in Pakistan. He was also celebrated for his renditions inspired by the Shah Jo Risalo, the classical verse collection of Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
In recognition of his contribution to Pakistani music, Ustad Muhammad Juman received the Pride of Performance Award along with the Shah Abdul Latif and Sachal Sarmast awards. He passed away on 24 January 1990 in Karachi, and his death anniversary continues to be observed annually by Radio Pakistan and admirers of Sindhi and Saraiki folk music.
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