Following an open call for applications in Autumn 2022, Muslim Shaggan was awarded a 4-week funded residency. Cove Park’s programme of funded residencies supports research, the development of existing and new projects, collaboration, interdisciplinary practice, and the production of new work and ideas. All national and international artists, cultural practitioners, and researchers—working individually and collaboratively in all art forms, in the creative industries, and across disciplines—were eligible to apply. Cove Park’s residencies also support individuals at every stage in their careers.

Muslim Shaggan is a hereditary vocalist and performing artist based in Lahore, Pakistan. He began learning music at the age of seven under the guidance of his late grandfather, Ustad Ghulam Hassann Shaggan. His family belongs to the Gwalior gharana, a stylistic lineage of classical South Asian music, which includes three branches: Gwalior gharana, Kapurthala gharana, and the rubabi tradition.

This musical heritage predates colonialism and modern nation-states, embodying the fusion of Indic and Persian aesthetic and philosophical sensibilities from the 16th century. Muslim has been performing since 2010 at major classical music events across Pakistan and internationally, including a recent performance at the World Music Festival in Geneva, Switzerland.

He recently completed a Master’s in Mass Communication from Punjab University, but his musical practice remains his first love and priority. Muslim’s primary expertise is in Khayal singing, though his repertoire also includes Thumri, Ghazals, Kafi, Soz, Noha, and Salam. He sings in five languages: Purbi, Sanskrit, Farsi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and has taught music at institutions such as Hast o Neest, National academy of performing arts (NAPA). He is currently teaching at FC College University in Lahore.

In the face of rising commercialism and modern nation-state politics, preserving this musical tradition and cultivating knowledgeable listeners is of utmost importance to him. Muslim is dedicated to teaching and sharing the practice and knowledge of his musical heritage, looking forward to a life of intimate exploration and soulful refinement of his art.