Bilawal Belgium

Early life Belgium was born in Mirpurkhas in 1928. He belonged to the Makrani Baloch community (also known as Sheedi) of African descent. He was initially encouraged in his musical pursuits by his mother, Mahgi, a singer of note, and his father, Jhuk, who was a player of the kuzank instrument.

Bilawal faced initial resistance from music authorities. Broadcaster Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari reportedly opposed the inclusion of banjo in the Radio Pakistan orchestra. However, after hearing Bilawal perform, he consequently accepted the instrument and appointed Bilawal as a staff artist in 1950–1952.

He performed both solo and orchestral pieces on Radio Pakistan, Karachi, and also composed melodies for various vocalists. He also performed on television and stage, travelling to several countries as a member of Pakistan’s official music groups. Bilawal died in 1977 in Lahore, and was buried in Karachi.

Legacy Belgium was recognized for his distinctive creation and integration of the Banjo and Swarmandal, which he would tune and play simultaneously to create regional folk melodies and classical compositions, primarily in Sindhi and Balochi languages. He is also known for promoting Sheedi culture into Pakistani national musical discourses and spotlight.