Kokab Rashid: Classical Training at the Core of a Versatile Musical Journey

Versatility in music can take many forms, but for vocalist Kokab Rashid, it begins with a strong classical foundation.

A member of the Delhi Gharana tradition of Hindustani classical music, Kokab has spent years developing his vocal training while also exploring a wide range of musical forms. His musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of his grandfather, Ustad Zafar Ahmed Khan, a Delhi Gharana sitar player.

His subsequent training under Khalifa Late Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan further shaped his understanding of Hindustani classical music. He currently continues his training under Ustad Fareed Hasan Khan, while his father, Ustad Rashid Zafar, has remained a consistent source of musical guidance since his childhood.

This traditional grounding continues to influence the way Kokab approaches music today.

Although classical music remains central to his artistic identity, his performances are not restricted to one format. He has worked with semi-classical, Sufi and Bollywood music, while also exploring contemporary arrangements and different performance styles.

Rather than viewing different genres as separate musical worlds, Kokab approaches them as spaces where his classical understanding can be applied in different ways. This has allowed him to develop as a versatile vocalist without moving away from the foundation on which his training is based.

His academic journey has reinforced this connection with classical music. He completed his B.A. in Music (Vocal) from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and his M.A. in Music (Vocal) from the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Music from the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi.

Kokab has also earned recognition through the CCRT National Scholarship in the classical category and his win at BIG FM’s Big Golden Voice.

His musical work has taken him to cultural platforms including the Global Literacy Festival, Jashn-e-Hind, Dilli Durbar, Chand Sangeet Festival and Jashn-E-Tehzeeb.

At the same time, he continues to create music and perform on contemporary platforms. His work reflects an approach where classical training remains the core, while different musical forms become avenues for expression.

For Kokab Rashid, versatility is therefore not a departure from tradition. It is an extension of a musical foundation built through years of classical training.