Widely considered as one of the best Raagi Jathas of the early 20th century, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Fakkar (1892 – 1962) and Bhai Sarmukh Singh Fakkar (1902 – 1983) belong to the Rababi tradition of music prevalent during the time of our Gurus.
The years of their birth and death stated above were obtained from the book, ‘Punjab De Parsidh Raagi Rababi’ by author Balbir Singh Kanwal. However, in his book, ‘Gurmat Sangeet De Anmol Rattan’, Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa has written that Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji was born between 1875 to 1876 in the village of Mahana, district Amritsar.
They are the sons of Bhai Hira Ji and Mata Buddha Ji. Having being born into a Rababi family, the seed of music was sowed by their father, Bhai Hira Ji from a very young age. He was their first teacher. It is said that they received training from 6 to 7 renowned Ustads (teachers) before experiencing a sense of satisfaction. Some of their Ustads include Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan of Patiala Gharana, Bhai Moti, and Mian Qadir Baksh.
Both brothers matched each other’s talents and they possessed well cultured voices that flowed gracefully between the lowest and highest notes. They were adept in various forms of singing such as Dhrupad, Khyal, Thumri, Qawali etc. One of Bhai Sarmukh Singh Ji’s grandson, Bhai Harinder Singh Fakkar revealed to me that they mostly sang Dhrupad and would usually start off with ‘Shaan’ followed by ‘Manglacharan’ which would go on for some time. This would set up the mood of the ‘Raag’ that they were singing and they would continue to sing for 2 to 3 hours at each sitting.
The names of Bhai Gurmukh Singh and Sarmukh Singh Ji were held in high esteem by their contemporaries. They took part in numerous music conferences and Kirtan Darbars held across the country, after which they received a lot of appreciation and recognition from exponents of Hindustani classical music and Gurmat Sangeet alike. They also cut a record with Colombia Records between 1943 to 1945.
They served as ‘Head Raagis’ at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib for many years along with other legends of that time such as Bhai Samund Singh and the duo of Bhai Jaswant Singh and Bhai Pal Singh (Jasa-Pala). A few years prior to the partition, they were brought to Patiala by the Maharaja of Patiala. The Maharaja was very knowledgeable about music and appreciated their talent. He gifted them 5 acres of land in Sirhind.
Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji did not have any children, but Bhai Sarmukh Singh Ji was blessed with children, followed by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His older son, Bhai Jagtar Singh Fakkar was a very prominent Raagi, and he had five sons of his own; Bhai Harinder Singh, Bhai Dalip Singh, Bhai Harcharan Singh, Bhai Inderjit Singh and Bhai Himmat Singh. The duo of Bhai Harinder Singh Fakkar and Bhai Harcharan Singh Fakkar were very gifted, but unfortunately both have passed on. Presently, Bhai Harcharan Singh’s son, Bhai Lal Singh Fakkar is continuing their legacy. Bhai Sarmukh Singh Ji’s younger son, Bhai Surjit Singh Ji is a very talented ‘tabla’ player, and is a student of the great Ustad Alla Rakha. One of his sons, Bhai Narinder Singh Ji is currently based in Fatehgarh Sahib and continues to bear the torch of his forefathers.
The two recordings below are from a 78 rpm record released by Colombia Records. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Gurmukh & Sarmukh Singh Fakkar – 01 Main Kamli Nu Kalgian Waleya
Bhai Gurmukh & Sarmukh Singh Fakkar – 02 Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru
Anand