Buffett, Bezos, and Congress Are Betting Big on This One Sector

This corner of the market is NOT artificial intelligence... Crypto... or any other familiar sector or strategy. Instead...It's a sector that the U.S. Gov't spends 6-TIMES more on, than our own ENTIRE military defense budget. Don't let recent market uncertainty keep you in the dark on this massive opportunity.

Kashmir's Sufi music lovers are sticking with the audio cassette

DAR YASIN and AIJAZ HUSSAIN
March 15, 2025

SRINAGAR, India (AP) -- Farooq Ahmad Shaksaaz presses a button on his 1970 Sharp cassette player, and with a hefty clack the machine whirrs to life. As the Kashmiri tailor stitches, the machine crackles for a moment before Ghulam Ahmad Sofi's otherworldly voice fills his shop with verses about divine love and the pain of separation from the beloved creator of the universe.

Shaksaaz, a tailor in the Kashmiri city of Srinagar, inherited his passion for local Sufi music from his grandfather along with a meticulously preserved collection of audio cassette tapes from the 1970s, which he often listens to as he works.

He's part of a small, dedicated community that believes cassette tapes are the best way to listen to and archive the Sufi music of Indian-controlled Kashmir, where music inspired by local and central Asian Muslim saints has long been a deep expression of spirituality and emotion. Many people turn to the music for spiritual guidance, or seeking an escape from the region's long periods of street battles, shutdowns and security clampdowns.

For decades, cassette players have carried the soul-stirring poetry of Sufi saints and the mystical melodies of Kashmiri instruments like the sarangi and santoor, and it's long been a local ritual for families to gather around the warm hum of a tape player. Even today, the region's traditional Sufi music gatherings are often recorded only on the disappearing audio format, which was widely used from the 1970s to the 1990s.

While the music is increasingly available on digital formats, many Kashmiris say that it's best heard on cassette tapes.

"There is something unique about this machine that for me plays recordings of spiritual guides," said Abdul Ahad, a carpet weaver. "It is a sacred ritual in itself to press the play button of a cassette player to listen to a song on spiritual moorings."

Many of the most beloved albums were released by local record labels during the heyday of the audio cassette, but dedicated devotees of the genre are still bringing tape recorders to gatherings. Digital recorders are often unwelcome at these nightly music sessions, as Sufi music lovers say they blur together the distinct sounds of the different instruments.

"It is a different experience to listen to music on a tape recorder," said Abdul Hamid Khan. "Tapes are smooth and you can feel the sound of every instrument, you don't get that feel in these new players."

Still, as tapes wear out and more music moves to digital streaming platforms and smartphones, the tactile and deeply personal listening experience of cassettes is becoming harder to keep going.

Many families have been forced to part with their players due to mechanical failures, while others struggle to preserve their cherished cassette collections, some of which hold rare and irreplaceable recordings passed down through generations. Some collectors have turned to digitizing their old recordings to safeguard them for future generations.

Only a few shops in Srinagar, the region's main city, sell tape recorders or blank tapes, and the availability of spare parts and skilled repair technicians has drastically dwindled.

A handful of mechanics in the Kashmir Valley still cater to a dedicated population of Sufi music lovers, painstakingly restoring machines made by beloved Japanese brands like Sharp and Kenwood in the last century.

Mohammad Ashraf Matoo, a self-taught mechanic, has spent years keeping decades-old cassette players running even as spare parts become increasingly scarce. He purchases non-functional recorders to extract usable components, and manufactures some parts himself to keep his customers' devices going. Once repaired, a well-functioning tape recorder is sold for a price between $150 and $850, depending on its brand and condition.

Shaksaaz, a lifelong Sufi music devotee, called it a "personal mission" to preserve the legacy of cassette tapes.

"It is a bridge to the past, a way to remain connected to our spiritual and cultural roots in this ever modernizing and digital world," he said.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Washington Won't Save You--but This 4-Step Plan Might - Ad

America's economy is unraveling--soaring costs, skyrocketing debt, and Wall Street insiders dumping stocks. This isn't a recession--it's an economic breakdown. Stocks could crash 50%, real estate 40%, and inflation will eat your savings. But history shows: the biggest crashes create the biggest fortunes--if you act now!

'Horrific Report': Economists Warn Consumer Confidence Collapse Signals Economic Trouble

U of Michigan consumer confidence survey shows rapid decrease amid high inflation expectations, economists warn of bad omen for US economy.

Asian shares decline despite rebound on Wall St as investors await next steps in trade wars

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower on Thursday despite a rebound on Wall Street fueled by an on U.S. consumer prices.

Are you owed an extra $2,105 a month in extra cash? - Ad

A little-known "loophole" has allowed a handful of regular Americans to legally collect over $109,200,000 in bonus cash. And today's your chance to join them. It doesn't matter how old you are or even how much money you make. And my research shows there's no way you can be denied from taking part in this opportunity.

Mohamed El-Erian Says 'Fed Put' Optimism Rises As Inflation Cools—But 'Trump Put' Hopes Are Shaken

U.S. markets rallied on Wednesday after February's inflation report came in softer than anticipated, bolstering expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts while investors reassess the economic impact of President Donald Trump administration's policies.

Argentine retirees and soccer fans clash with police during protests against austerity measures

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine retirees and fans of several soccer teams clashed with police Wednesday during a protest in front of Congress in the capital, Buenos Aires, against the economic policies implemented by the government of .

Nvidia Is About to Shock the World: March 17th - Ad

Jeff Brown, the tech legend who picked shares of Nvidia in 2016 before they jumped by more than 22,000%, is warning everyone to... Mark this date on your calendar: March 17th! That's when Nvidia could help send shares of this Elon Musk supplier skyrocketing higher.

Strikes and Economic Unrest: Are You Prepared for What's Coming? - Ad

Louis Navellier has issued a chilling warning about the economic turmoil gripping America today. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping industries and posing threats to jobs, pushing America's financial system to its limits. If you're not prepared, it could devastate your savings, investments, and even your retirement.

China learned from Trump's first trade war and changed its tactics when tariffs came again

WASHINGTON (AP) — The leaders of both Canada and Mexico got on the phone with President Donald Trump this past week to on their countries, but China’s president appears unlikely to make a similar call soon.

AOC Claps Back At Mike Johnson As Senate Moves Closer To Government Shutdown: 'If You Need Democrats, Then You Need To Negotiate'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pushed back on Speaker Mike Johnson's blame for a possible shutdown, reminding him that Republicans control the government and must negotiate if they lack the votes.

Trump Bombshell to Hit by April 30th? - Ad

According to Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... Before April 30th, President Trump could make a shocking AI announcement... Sending these stocks exploding higher.

Kroger Chairman and CEO resigns following investigation into personal conduct

Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned after an internal investigation into his personal conduct.

Elon Musk Says Ukraine Behind 'Massive Cyberattack' On X: 'We're Not Sure Exactly What Happened...'

Elon Musk stated that the reported "massive cyberattack" that his social media account X faced on Monday is suspected to have originated from Ukraine.

The Gold Shift No One's Talking About - Yet - Ad

Massive gold shipments are quietly moving from London to the U.S.--no headlines, no explanations. Could a full-scale audit or a new gold-backed system be coming? Smart money isn't waiting. My gold strategy is already doubling physical gold's returns this year.

AT&T Confirms 2025 Targets, Cash Flow Strength And Debt Reduction Plan: Details

AT&T reaffirms 2025 financial targets, plans to execute long-term strategic plan. Expects strong first quarter of 2025, maintains dividend.

Aircraft catches fire after landing in Denver, sending passengers onto wing as smoke engulfs plane

DENVER (AP) — A after it diverted mid-flight and landed at Denver International Airport sent fleeing passengers to a wing amid billowing clouds of smoke. Airport officials said 12 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

Will Elon's DOGE Pay You a Dividend? - Ad

Musk's DOGE is saving billions--rumors swirl of a $5,000 "DOGE dividend." But his new AI tech could be even bigger... potentially putting $30K in your pocket this year and beyond. Tech legend Jeff Brown calls this the next Nvidia. Act before March 17th--your second chance is here!

Schools use AI to monitor kids, hoping to prevent violence. Our investigation found security risks

One student asked a search engine, “Why does my boyfriend hit me?” Another threatened suicide in an email to an unrequited love. A gay teen opened up in an online diary about struggles with homophobic parents, writing they just wanted to be themselves.

Tesla Out, Ford In: City Of Baltimore Goes 'In A Different Direction' Reversing EV Deal From 2024

Tesla is losing an EV city fleet deal in Baltimore to Ford. A look at what happened and how politics may have factored into the decision.

13-Second Trump Video Could Trigger AI Shock - Ad

Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... Just released a video with this 13-second Trump clip about the current AI boom. Please, do NOT buy any AI stock before watching that clip. What President Trump said in that clip could have implications for this AI boom.

In his own words: Trump takes credit for stock market rises but casts aside blame for sell-off

WASHINGTON (AP) — President in recent days has dismissed and brushed aside the stock market sell-off, going so far as to say, “You can’t really watch the stock market." That's a new message from a leader who has frequently pointed to the market's ups and downs as a reflection of himself and his activities, even when he was not in power.

Make room Starbucks and McDonald's. China's Mixue and other brands win fans in Southeast Asia

HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese food and beverage brands are gaining ground across Southeast Asia, offering alternatives to big name American chains and expanding Beijing’s commercial and cultural influence in neighboring economies.

Strange Pattern Emerges in U.S. Stock Market - Ad

A rare stock market anomaly--seen only once this century--is back! Last time, it helped create gains as high as 125,000% over 15 years. Now, it's colliding with the AI boom, and people are taking notice. The Oxford Club's top strategist reveals how to profit--watch the special broadcast now!

UK economy unexpectedly shrinks in January, in blow to Treasury chief ahead of key statement

LONDON (AP) — The British economy unexpectedly shrank during January, piling pressure on Treasury chief Rachel Reeves before a key statement about the state of the public finances later this month.

Market Dip: Buffett, Bezos, & 48 Members of Congress Betting on One Sector -- Don't Miss Out - Ad

This corner of the market is NOT artificial intelligence... Crypto... or any other familiar sector or strategy. Instead...It's a sector that the U.S. Gov't spends 6-TIMES more on, than our own ENTIRE military defense budget. Don't let recent market uncertainty keep you in the dark on this massive opportunity.

Warren Buffett on Debt and Donald Trump's Money Moves: Trump 'Never Went Right'

In a piece of advice that continues to hold relevance, investor Warren Buffett once warned students about the perils of excessive borrowing, citing Donald Trump as a case in point.

This Bear Market Blueprint Could Save Your Retirement - Ad

The crisis we warned about is here--sky-high interest rates, spiraling debt, and AI-driven job losses are reshaping the economy. Waiting for "normal" is a mistake. The rules of wealth have changed. Get my Bear Market Blueprint--a 4-step plan to protect & grow your money. Normally $297--FREE to our subscribers!

A river ‘died' overnight in Zambia after an acidic waste spill at a Chinese-owned mine

KITWE, Zambia (AP) — Authorities and environmentalists fear the long-term impact of an acid spill at a mine that contaminated a major river and could potentially affect millions of people after signs of pollution were detected at least 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream.

Fed Wipes $2 Trillion With Secretive Move - Ad

$2 trillion has disappeared from the US government's books. The reason why is a new, secretive move being carried out by the Fed that has nothing to do with lowering or raising interest rates. According to Dan Ferris, you should consider moving money to a unique "escape" investment right away.

Dogecoin Plunges 9% But Top Analyst Believes Meme Coin Could Stage A 'Strong' Rebound In Case This Happens

Influential cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez anticipated a significant rebound for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) despite the market slump on Sunday.

Fashion trends for fall: Big shoulders, even bigger coats and a color story to dye for

PARIS (AP) — Paris has spoken, and fashion’s final authority has laid down the law: This coming fall, it’s all about power shoulders, enveloping outerwear, and a color palette that runs from somber to surreal.

March 20th: The NEXT 50X Nvidia Call - Ad

In 2016 Louis Navellier made a big prediction regarding Nvidia's GPUs... Its stock price was a split-adjusted $1 and went up more than 7,000% at its peak. Don't miss Louis NEXT BIG Nvidia call. (Plus 6 stocks you need to own before March 20th.)

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright technicaltrading.org
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service