Programme Index

Discover 11,128,835 listings and 279,772 playable programmes from the BBC

The Documentary

My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

Duration: 27 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC World Service OnlineLatest broadcast: on BBC World Service Online

Izzat Majeed could have retired quietly, but instead he formed the Sachal Jazz Ensemble and built a music studio in Lahore. The London-based father of three was born and brought up in Lahore. He recalls a vibrant city full of music and culture. When he was a child, Pakistan's film industry - nicknamed 'Lollywood' - produced 100 movies a year. He recalls seeing the Dave Brubeck Trio playing in the city as part of America's Jazz Ambassadors Tour. This was the start of a lifelong affection for jazz. As the years passed, a less culturally tolerant society took shape in Pakistan. Izzat was extremely disheartened by this. Lollywood all but disappeared and the classical musicians at its heart disappeared with it. They had to make ends meet in any way they could, and music was no longer a way to do this. When Izzat retired, he decided to do something about it. The Sachal Jazz Ensemble was born. Show less

About this data

This data is drawn from the data stream that informs BBC's iPlayer and Sounds. The information shows what was scheduled to be broadcast, meaning it was/is subject to change and may not be accurate. More