In Srinagar, India, Farooq Ahmad Shaksaaz lovingly operates his vintage 1970 Sharp cassette player, bringing to life the ethereal voice of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi as he stitches away in his shop. Inherited from his grandfather, Shaksaaz’s passion for local Sufi music is evident in his meticulously preserved collection of 1970s audio cassette tapes, which he listens to while working. He is part of a devoted community in Indian-controlled Kashmir that believes cassette tapes are the ideal medium to appreciate and preserve the spiritual music that has long been a significant expression of emotion and spirituality in the region.
The soul-stirring poetry of Sufi saints and the mystical melodies of traditional Kashmiri instruments like the sarangi and santoor have been shared through cassette players for decades, offering comfort and solace to many amidst the region’s challenges of street battles and security clampdowns. While digital formats now offer wider access to this music, many Kashmiris maintain that the true essence and depth of Sufi music can only be experienced through cassette tapes.
Abdul Ahad, a carpet weaver, describes the act of playing a cassette tape as a sacred ritual, immersing oneself in the spiritual guidance offered by the music. Despite the convenience of digital platforms, the unique sound quality and personal connection of cassette tapes are cherished by enthusiasts like Abdul Hamid Khan, who values the distinctness of each instrument’s sound.
However, as technology advances and cassette players become increasingly scarce, the tradition of listening to Sufi music on tapes faces challenges. Families struggle to maintain their aging players, with some opting to digitize their collections for preservation. In Srinagar, where only a few shops still sell tape recorders and parts, a dwindling number of mechanics work tirelessly to repair beloved Japanese brands like Sharp and Kenwood, ensuring that the legacy of cassette tapes lives on for future generations of Sufi music lovers.
In a world where functional tape recorders are scarce, Shaksaaz goes to great lengths to keep the devices running for his customers. He acquires non-functional recorders to salvage usable components and even crafts some parts himself. Once repaired, these well-functioning tape recorders are priced between $150 and $850, depending on the brand and condition. As a lifelong Sufi music enthusiast, Shaksaaz views his work as a personal mission to preserve the legacy of cassette tapes. He sees them as a bridge to the past, helping people stay connected to their spiritual and cultural heritage in a rapidly modernizing and digital world.
