IFP- Pahlevan Rasoul Bakhsh Zangshahi is a veteran musician from Sistan and Baluchestan province, south-eastern Iran, who was praised during the 32nd International Fajr Music Festival.

According to a Farsi report by ISNA, he has two Qeychaks � an ancient Iranian musical instrument commonly used in Balochi music of that region. He inherited one of these instruments from his paternal grandfather.

�I have been playing Qeychak since I was 14. My father taught me how to play it,� he said, adding he has played the instrument for 61 years.

�I travelled to France in 1995 to give a performance. They offered me some $30,000 for the instrument; I replied �I won�t sell it even if you offer me the entire France!��

He referred to his French students, and said, �I gave performances in France, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. The University of Paris awarded me an honorary doctorate. They even asked me to immigrate to France with my family,� he added.

�I didn�t accept, though, as nowhere replaces Iran for me. There are cultural differences between us and other nations.�

�Young people today don�t know the Balochi music [local music of Baluchestan],� he added. �They are interested in western instruments. They prefer whatever is newer.�

�Many clans live in Sistan and Baluchestan. Two or three of every 20 clans play instruments on a hereditary basis, so there is no space for the members of other tribes to learn it,� said Hatam Balouchzehi, a friend of Zangshahi.

�Master Zangshahi is the oldest musician of his clan. The people who know Zangshahi invite him to teach them music in their homes.�

�The Balochi music was very common among some clans. People gathered around and wanted the musicians to perform songs. It was a way to be joyful. The musicians were also employed to perform in weddings. In fact, they made a living out of music.�

�Master Zangshahi was always accompanied by his singer. After the singer�s death, however, no one paid anymore for his music without vocals.�

�Master Zangshahi has not worked since seven years ago because of diabetes. I perform a fusion of Iranian classical and pop music myself,� said Nadim Zangshahi, his son.

�Once we travelled to Tehran to perform our songs in Persian, Balochi and Zaboli languages. It was air on state TV.�

Nadim said that Pahlevan has three wives and 22 children. �Among them, I and Soheyl, my brother, play music. I am 30, and started to learn Balochi music from my father when I was 10,� he added. �Soheyl is 11, and has played Qeychak since he was 8.�

He announced that his father is going to give a performance in Sweden. �And we are hopeful about Soheyl�s future, too; he has been invited to perform in Dubai, as there are a lot of Balochi music fans there.�