Akhtar Chanal Zahri
Akhtar Chanal Zahri is a Pakistani folk singer whose Brahui and Balochi repertoire connects Balochistan’s musical traditions with Coke Studio collaborations and film soundtracks.
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Latest
Akhtar’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Coke Studio
Coke Studio
T-SeriesOverview
- Home tradition
- Brahui and Balochi folk music from Balochistan, Pakistan
- Also known as
- Mohammad Akhtar; Zehri is also spelled Zahri
- Radio beginnings
- Passed his radio audition in 1973
- Coke Studio
- Performed in seasons 4 and 7
- Recognition
- Pride of Performance, 1998
Mini bio
How it started.
Akhtar grew up around the folk music of Balochistan. In his Bolan Voice interview, he recalled accompanying Ustad Haji Khan to local gatherings, clapping and repeating songs before getting a chance to sing himself in Mastung. He passed a radio audition in 1973 and later studied with Ustad Sadiq Ali Khan.
The song fans know.
“Daanah Pah Daanah” became his signature. He has described adapting a melody he heard in Kalat, adding words about Balochistan’s landscape. His 2011 Coke Studio duet with Komal Rizvi brought the song to another audience; they reunited with Momin Durrani for “Washmallay” in 2014.
Across stages and soundtracks.
His recordings include the Dumbek version of “Afghan Jalebi” for Phantom and vocals on Mirzya’s title track alongside Daler Mehndi, Sain Zahoor and the Nooran Sisters. He continues to share his folk repertoire through festival performances and collaborations, including a Pakistan Idol duet with Maham Tahir.
Creditschronological, newest first
- 2026Pak Ay WatanSinger
- 2026Pakistan Idol: Daanah Pah DaanahGuest vocalist with Maham Tahir
- 2016MirzyaTitle-track vocalist with Daler Mehndi, Sain Zahoor and the Nooran Sisters
- 2015Afghan Jalebi (Dumbek version), PhantomSinger
- 2014Washmallay, Coke Studio season 7Vocalist with Komal Rizvi and Momin Durrani
- 2011Daanah Pah Daanah, Coke Studio season 4Vocalist with Komal Rizvi
Awards
Quotes
Artists are meant to spread love and have nothing to do with politics.Akhtar Chanal Zahri, Geo Digital interview
Speaking at Karachi’s World Culture Festival in September 2024, he discussed cultural exchange between Pakistan and India.
Trivia
- He told Bolan Voice that he bought an early harmonium for 12 rupees using his savings.
- He says Chanal is a sub-branch of the Zehri tribe.
- In his 2022 interview, he described singing in Saraiki and Sindhi as well as speaking Brahui and Balochi.
Find Akhtar
Listen to his recordings and explore his folk performances.
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