Mansoor malangi folk singer

Mansoor Malangi was a legendary Pakistani folk singer, widely known as the “Emperor of Mahiya” in the world of folk music. Belonging to Garh Moor, Jhang, he remained deeply connected to his land and culture throughout his life, choosing loyalty to his soil over fame and comfort in big cities.

Born on January 1, 1947, in the border region of Layyah and Jhang, Mansoor Malangi inherited music from his father, Pathan Ali Malangi, a renowned sarangi player and folk singer. From an early age, music became his identity. Trained under the great Baba G.A. Chishti, he began his singing career at the age of 18 and later became a prominent voice of Radio Pakistan Multan.

His first album, released in 1975, brought him massive recognition, especially through the timeless song “Ik Phull Motiye Da Maar Ke”. Over the years, he recorded more than 200 audio albums and sang in Saraiki, Punjabi, and Urdu. His soulful renditions of folk songs, mahiya, kafis of Khawaja Ghulam Farid, and ghazals touched millions of hearts and shaped the future of Saraiki folk music.

Mansoor Malangi’s influence extended beyond Pakistan as he performed internationally in countries such as the USA, Japan, Greece, Norway, and Dubai. Despite global recognition, he lived a simple life, believing that music was a service to language, culture, and humanity—not a means of wealth.

Honored with the Presidential Award in 2012, Mansoor Malangi’s legacy lives on through his sons and grandchildren, who continue to carry forward his musical heritage. He passed away on December 10, 2014, due to cardiac arrest, but his voice, melodies, and devotion to Saraiki culture remain eternal.

This script is a tribute to the life, art, and legacy of a true folk legend whose name will live on as long as Saraiki music is heard.