Mansoor Malangi: A Legacy of Love, Loss, & Longing in Seraiki Music

M Atif Ismail

Multan: In the culturally rich South Punjab, the traditional forms of Dohary, Tappay, and Mahiay have long played a vital role in expressing the emotions, stories, and struggles of the region’s people. These short, lyrical expressions are more than just music; they represent the heartbeat of the Seraiki-speaking population in South Punjab.

Deeply embedded in the fabric of rural life, these art forms have been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of love, sorrow, and longing, according to Ghulam Abbas, a passionate admirer of Seraiki lyrical expressions.

At the forefront of preserving and popularizing these art forms is the legendary Mansoor Malangi, whose unique voice and storytelling ability have made him a household name. Despite the rise of digital media and evolving musical tastes, Mansoor Malangi remains an iconic figure in Seraiki folk culture.

Born on January 1, 1947, in Jhang, Malangi grew up surrounded by the lyrical richness of rural Punjab, absorbing the stories and traditions that would later define his career, as noted by Muhammad Arif Saeed. His entry into the music world began in 1965 with Radio Pakistan, where his debut performance garnered significant acclaim.

Malangi’s music transcended mere entertainment; it reflected the lives of his audience. His Dohray, Tappay, and Mahiay addressed themes of love, betrayal, hardship, and social injustice. His song Aik Phul Motiay Da Mar Kay Jaga Sohniay became a cultural anthem, resonating with people from all walks of life. Similarly, his mournful Mera Dub Gia Safeena captured the depths of human despair, while Balocha Zalima highlighted the timeless struggle of unrequited love, according to Arif.

“You could hear his songs playing in every corner of South Punjab,” observed Arif Saeed. “From tea stalls to bustling bazaars, and especially in transport vehicles, his voice was everywhere. Drivers would play his music during long journeys, connecting with his words and melodies. Even now, it’s rare to travel a rural road without hearing Mansoor Malangi’s songs keeping travelers company.”

Ghulam Abbas pointed out that Malangi’s contributions extended beyond just his voice. “He brought a new emotional depth to Seraiki music,” Abbas remarked. “He understood the soul of the people and communicated their feelings in a way that no one else could.”

He added that what made Mansoor Malangi’s music particularly powerful was his ability to adapt traditional forms like Dohray, Tappay, and Mahiay to contemporary themes. While these art forms have existed for centuries, Malangi’s approach modernized them without losing their traditional flavor.

His Seraiki Kafian—a form of spiritual poetry—echoed with the timeless wisdom of folk tales while addressing modern issues like the alienation of rural life.

His songs have not been confined to radios and cassettes of the past. Even in today’s digital era, where streaming platforms dominate, Mansoor Malangi’s music continues to enjoy immense popularity.

“He is a rare artist who has transcended generations,” Abbas added. “Young people today, even amidst rapid globalization, still find something genuine and timeless in his music.”

Mansoor Malangi was not just a singer; he was a storyteller and a keeper of the region’s cultural heritage. His ability to transform traditional poetry into melodic masterpieces earned him a special place in the hearts of his listeners.

His work also paved the way for other Seraiki artists like Ataullah Esa Khailvi, Saeen Zahoor, and Allah Dittah Loonaywala, who further developed the regional folk genre, taking it to both national and international platforms.

Although Mansoor Malangi passed away on December 11, 2014, his music continues to resonate. “It feels like he never left,” Ghulam Abbas said. “His songs still dominate our gatherings, festivals, and fairs.

He is always present through his music.” In rural fairs (melas), his performances are remembered with a sense of nostalgia, reminding listeners of a simpler time when Malangi’s songs were the soundtrack of their lives.