Zohra Bai

Zohra Bai belonged to the Agra gharana. She was trained by Ustad Sher Khan, Ustad Kallan Khan and the noted composer Mehboob Khan (Daras Piya). She was known both for khayal as well as lighter varieties including Thumri and Ghazals which she learned from Ahmad Khan of Dhaka. Her singing influenced Ustad Faiyaz Khan, the greatest name in the Agra Gharana in modern times, and even Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of the Patiala Gharana held her in high regard. Zohra Bai was one of the most noted and influential singers of Hindustani Classical Music from the early 1900s. Zohra’s khayal renditions in the limited 3 minute capsule are an example of her virtuosity, training and knowledge of the idiom. Along with Gauhar Jaan, she marks the dying phase of the courtesan singing tradition in Indian classical music. Zohrabai sings the Khyal ‘Matki mori re’ set in Raag Jaunpuri and in Hindustani language. Don’t miss her announcing loudly at the end of the recording: her characteristic signature ‘Zohra Bai Agrawali!’