Kokab Rashid: Young Performer with Classical Roots

Kokab Rashid: A Young Performer Carrying Classical Training into Diverse Musical Spaces

With a musical journey that began in childhood, Kokab Rashid has developed into a vocalist working across classical and contemporary performance spaces.

Kokab belongs to the Delhi Gharana of Hindustani classical music, and his training has been shaped by several generations of musical guidance. His grandfather, Ustad Zafar Ahmed Khan, was his first teacher. He later trained under Khalifa Late Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan and currently continues his learning under Ustad Fareed Hasan Khan.

His father, Ustad Rashid Zafar, has also guided him in music since childhood.

His first stage appearance came at approximately six or seven years of age. Since then, performance has remained an important part of his life. His work today includes classical, semi-classical, Sufi and Bollywood music, allowing him to perform across varied musical environments.

Kokab’s versatility is supported by a strong academic background. He completed his B.A. in Music (Vocal) from Hindu College, University of Delhi, followed by an 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.

Beyond stage performances, he is also actively involved in music education. His current association with Melody Muse Academy as a Vocal Teacher gives him an opportunity to work directly with students and contribute to their musical development.

Teaching also complements his own artistic journey. Having experienced structured musical training from an early age, Kokab places importance on building a strong foundation while allowing students to develop according to their individual interests.

His achievements include the CCRT National Scholarship in the classical category and winning BIG FM’s Big Golden Voice. He has performed at events including the Global Literacy Festival, Jashn-e-Hind, Dilli Durbar, Chand Sangeet Festival and Jashn-E-Tehzeeb.

As he continues to perform, teach and pursue academic research, Kokab Rashid’s work represents a combination of traditional musical grounding and participation in diverse contemporary performance spaces.