Begum Jaan is a renowned folk singer from Jammu and Kashmir, born in 1954 in the distant village of Arigam, Bandipura, in a Chechi-Gujjar nomadic household. Her life's journey as a musician started at the tender age of nine when she sang in Gojri, the third most-widely spoken language in the area. She went on to establish a Gojri music group with other tribal women over time, bringing about a cultural revolution for the Gujjar community. Her commitment made Gojri traditional music popular all over the state and beyond.

Begum Jaan's tribe, the Chechi-Gujjar tribe, is a traditionally nomadic group in Jammu and Kashmir with a rich cultural heritage and close association with Gojri language and music. Historically, the tribe has retained its culture in terms of tales, songs, and folk acts. Begum Jaan's service as a singer prominently portrayed the distinct qualities of Chechi-Gujjar culture, speaking up for her people and advertising Gojri culture to Indians and South Asians across the nation.

Begum Jaan's work towards Gojri music has earned her several awards, including recognition by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in 2009. She was further awarded by Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan Srinagar for her contributions to tribal music. Her performances at national and international cultural festivals, organized by organizations like the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, have established her as a legendary artist, speaking on behalf of Gojri music on distinguished forums.

Begum Jaan has spent her entire life striving to spread Gojri folk traditions and empower other tribal women with the power of music. In spite of personal struggles, such as attempts on her life, she kept performing, using the medium to bring about change in society. She actively mentors other young Gojri artists to ensure the perpetuation of folk music. Her work has also been devoted to educating people regarding Gojri cultural heritage, raising the status of the Chechi-Gujjar community through her work in social and cultural reformation.

Aside from her acting, Begum Jaan has worked towards the documentation and preservation of Gojri folk music. She has been involved in research projects aimed at documenting traditional Gojri songs so that these melodies can be kept alive for future generations. She has been a part of several advisory committees where she works in protecting tribal music. Her dedication to the transmission of these musical practices includes instructing her daughter, Paraveena Jan, who continues the tradition, preserving the cultural heritage of the Chechi-Gujjar tribe.