Ustad Ulfat Ahang, one of the pioneers of classical music in Afghanistan, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Mir Masjidi Khan by President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday.

The medal was awarded to him to honor his contributions to Afghanistan’s music.

Ahang is talented in many genres with a deep understanding of the principles and foundations of Eastern classical music, which involves Raga and Ragni (The classical equivalent of the complex scale arrangement of musical notations in Western music).

He was born in 1954 to Ustad Faqir Mohammad’s household, and was given the name Dod Mohammad.

His place of birth is Khawaja Khordat of Kharbat district in Kabul city, which is the musical center of Afghanistan.

His family were founders and pioneers of classical music in Afghanistan, which is influenced by Indian classical music.

His grandfather, Ustad Fate, was the pioneer of Tabla and Rhythm (beat and percussion).

Ahang launched a successful career that extended over four decades starting with many hit albums.

He has many contemporary students, who include Freshta Sama, Qais Ulfat, Fawad Ramez, Farzana Nawabi, and many more new and emerging singers.

At a ceremony in Kabul, Ahang pledged to continue his efforts to strengthen Afghanistan’s music.

“I receive this medal with pride,” he said.