In the heart of Quetta, amidst the bustling streets of Brewery Road, a small yet significant musical revolution has been taking shape since 2016. Founded by three passionate classmates, Azam Baloch, Farooq Baloch and Aurangzaib Muneer later joined by Obaid GM, Thaheer Production has emerged as a haven for music lovers, fostering creativity and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Balochistan.
During a recent interview, Obaid GM and Azam Baloch shared that when they first thought of starting their music studio, they began searching for names related to the concept of Sukoon (comfort). They reached out to a friend for suggestions, who in turn contacted a notable Baloch poet, Muneer Momin. It was Momin who recommended the word ‘Thaheer’, a Balochi term meaning comfort and relief, which perfectly embodied the vision they had for their studio.
What started as a modest room has now transformed into a full-fledged music studio, producing soulful compositions that resonate with audiences across the region. Their first project, “Man Shapan Roch, Mahan Saal Kana” , launched in 2017, marked the beginning of an inspiring journey that continues to flourish.
Obaid GM and Azam Baloch explained in their interview that their venture was never driven by profit. “When we started this journey, we never thought of making money. It was all about our passion for music and giving people something to cherish,” said Obaid GM. Azam Baloch added, “Most of our projects cost over one lakh rupees, and we pay for them ourselves. Only a few projects like Lado and Nazana have earned us a profit, but that has never been our main goal.”
Although they don’t personally gain profit, Obaid GM and Azam Baloch strive to ensure that the artists who contribute to their projects do. They emphasized that their goal has always been to give back to the community, especially the artists. “We don’t like just going to our jobs and coming back home without doing anything for society,” they said. “That’s why we thought of Thaheer—to design a space where we could get relief after our hectic routine, and also make it a home for artists.”
Despite financial challenges and the lack of government support, their passion remains unwavering. Due to this financial struggle, many projects take longer to launch. The duo acknowledged that while some people do not appreciate their work, they are determined to continue. “There are always critics, but the love and respect we receive from our audience keep us going,” said Obaid GM.
When asked if they had formally learned music, both Obaid GM and Azam Baloch admitted that they hadn’t taken music classes. “It’s the love for music that attracted us to this field,” they shared. However, Obaid GM mentioned that he was trying to learn music.
Obaid GM works as a guitarist, while Azam Baloch works as a mixer, each contributing their skills to enhance the sound of their projects. Both founders believe in giving opportunities to anyone willing to contribute to Balochi music, regardless of their background.
When asked how harmful it is for Balochi music to use instruments that are not traditionally Balochi, both Obaid GM and Azam Baloch explained that it was not harmful as long as the real feel of the music was not disturbed. “For example, the guitar is not a traditional Balochi instrument, but it is used all around the world, and everyone uses it according to their feel. So, using instruments like the guitar is not harmful to Balochi music,” they said.
Azam Baloch mentioned that, in terms of audio, they invested a lot of money into their project Dard o Mahram, while in terms of video, they invested significantly in Lado. These projects highlight Thaheer Production’s commitment to quality in both audio and visual aspects of Balochi music.
One of Thaheer Production’s most commendable initiatives is their effort to provide a platform for female singers in Balochistan, a region where women in music are often underrepresented. Azam Baloch expressed, “There are many talented women in Balochistan who have never had the opportunity to showcase their art, and we want to give them that platform to be heard.” Both Azam Baloch and Obaid GM shared in the interview that they strive their best not to disturb the authentic feel of Balochi music, ensuring that the cultural essence is preserved while introducing new voices.
Thaheer Production not only creates songs but also brings forward the forgotten rituals, customs, and poetry, helping to keep Baloch traditions alive through their music. Additionally, they have launched the Laib Laccha series, which releases songs specifically aimed at children. Azam Baloch explained, “We are more focused on topics that haven’t been covered by the Balochi music industry yet. For example, we haven’t seen songs on parents or siblings, so we are trying to bring forward such poetry and transform it into music.”
He further shared that the vision behind Laib Laccha is to keep the kids of this generation connected to their language and culture. “Most of the kids know how to speak proper Urdu and English, but they don’t know how to speak Balochi properly using Balochi vocabulary. So, our vision is to educate the kids here in Balochistan and outside through songs.”
Some songs like Sainkal and Horo Horo from the Laib Laccha series have been a hit, marking an amazing step in engaging kids and fostering a love for their language and culture from an early age.
Another notable track is Lado, in which some artists are shown making Balochi chap. This song has gained popularity and is frequently played in schools, at weddings, and at various other events celebrating Balochi chap, further highlighting the cultural richness and tradition of Balochistan.
When asked why there are fewer female artists at their studio, both Obaid GM and Azam Baloch explained that men often go outside and formally learn music, whereas females rarely have this opportunity. As a result, it is more difficult for women to break into the industry. Despite this, they are doing their best to break this stereotype and provide a space for female voices in Balochi music.
In response to a question about their plans to blend Balochi and Brahvi music together, Obaid GM and Azam Baloch shared their vision: “We want the world to know that Balochi and Brahvi are not separate, but one language. When a Baloch in Makran sings a song, it’s not just heard in Makran—it’s heard by people outside of Makran too.” Their aim is to unite these two languages through music, helping to break geographical and cultural boundaries.
Thaheer Production has become more than just a recording studio; it is now a home for many singers and artists. Notable names like Shahsumal, Mubarak Dad, Mehrab Khalid, Bramsh Baloch, Naveed Baloch, and Seemak Baloch are among the many singers who frequently visit and collaborate with the studio. Another huge name in the Balochi music scene is Khwand Baksh Bugti, a master of the Balochi instrument Suroz, which is loved by many for its hauntingly beautiful sound. Such renaissance in the Balochi music industry has helped Balochi music stand on its wheels and begin to revive again.
With a growing audience and an expanding portfolio, Thaheer Production continues to carve its niche in the musical landscape of Balochistan. Their resilience and dedication to promoting regional music make them a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists. As they push forward, their journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unifying spirit of music.
“Thaheer Production is not just creating songs—it is preserving culture, empowering voices, and bringing comfort and relief to the hearts of many, just as its name suggests,” concluded Azam Baloch.
