QUETTA: For decades, Balochistan has been synonymous with heartbreak and destitution. Nothing good comes out of it, and even when something does happen miraculously, it remains ephemeral. The province’s multiple crises engulf everything from music, art, literature and politics, leaving behind a land haunted by its miseries.

With floods wreaking havoc across the length and breadth of the province, gut-wrenching tales of devastation, tragedy and destruction were found everywhere. Even among those tales, the story of Wahab Bugti, who was a national sensation a few months ago, broke many hearts.

When his hit song Kana Yaari on Coke Studio, released in January, Bugti, along with fellow singers Kaifi Khalil and rapper Eva B, created waves throughout the country and even beyond. The song was played over 18 million times on YouTube alone. Bugti, who was then one of the faces of music in the country, is now a picture of devastation. The flood in his native province has claimed over 216 lives.

Today, Bugti’s face is all over social media again, but not because of his hit song, but as a flood victim.

In photos shared all over social media, Bugti is seen wearing a shalwar kameez, holding his child as he stands in front of a collapsed wall and inundated fields in Dera Murad Jamali.

The floods have reportedly damaged over 30,000 houses, leaving thousands of families homeless.

Unlike other victims, Bugti’s tale managed to rattle some souls, thanks to his fame.

“Yes, many people have called me today [on Monday] after my pictures were shared on social media,” Bugti told Dawn over the phone.

“We are fine, and have moved to another place in my town. But we will move back after things become normal.”

Unlike his gloomy and hopeless expressions in the pictures, his voice appeared confident and calm.

Goth Mohammad Umar, his native village in Dera Murad Jamali, is situated at a distance of three kilometres from the main town.

While talking about torrential rains, he said his house, like others in his village, was destroyed, and he was living with a friend, away from his village, along with his children.

The father of eight children, Mr Bugti has been fond of singing since his childhood.

Talking about his musical journey, he said that he was introduced to Coke Studio by singer Xulfi.

After his pictures went viral, Xulfi wrote: “We are and will continue to be with Wahab Bugti Sahib and his loved ones to help overcome the difficult situation. Rest assured, he is being given all possible support on ground.”

Several other celebrities also took to Twitter to express solidarity with him.

While thanking them, Mr Bugti said many people have called him, and even asked him to move with them to other cities.

“But I am good here,” he said, adding that he only wants to go back to his village where his livestock and agriculture are.

Sher (lion) was the word he used before hanging up the phone. “I am a lion here. I want to be here in my village and my hometown, instead of moving to a tent,” he said.

Like Wahab Bugti, other flood-hit victims also do not want to leave their homes. However, they were compelled to migrate as help still evaded them in remote areas where access was difficult due to washing away of roads and bridges.

His concluding remarks sound like an artist or musician who attached great importance to his soil, land, and people, just like one of the verses he sang in the song Kana Yaari: “Love is for the stoics who do not fear loss.”

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2022