Musik Pakistan

Download : Coke Studio Season 3 Episode 2 'Will'

2010-06-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Amanat Ali – Aisha
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Fakir Juman Shah – Moomal Rano

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Noori & Zeb and Haniya – Tann Dolay

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Entity Paradigm – Bolo Bolo

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Rizwan-Muazzam – Naina De Akhay

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Download : Coke Studio Season 3 Episode 1 'Reason'

2010-06-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Arieb Azhar – Na Raindee Hai
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Abida Parveen – Ramooz-e-Ishq

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Arif Lohar & Meesha Shafi – Alif Allah

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Karavan – Yaadein

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Zeb & Haniya – Bibi Sanam Janem

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Ali Zafar - Tere Bin Laden (2010) 170Kbps-VBR

2010-06-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

Director: Abhishek Sharma
Cast: Ali Zafar
Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy,Abhijit Vaghani,Dhruv Dhalla & Ali Zafar
Lyricist: Jaideep Sahni,Dhruv Dhalla,Jaspreet Singh & Ali Zafar
MP3 Bitrate: 170Kbps (VBR)

Direct Links Download Right Click On Songs Link & Click On "Save target As"

Sr.

Original Songs In Mp3 Format (170kbps-VBR)

Ullu Da Pattha - Shankar Mahadevan & Ali Zafar

Shor Sharaba - Jaspreet Singh & Suraj Jagan

I Love Amreeka - Shankar Mahadevan, Ali Zafar & Akruti Kakkar

Kukduk - Master Saleem

Welcome To Amreeka - Ali Zafar

Bus Ek Soch - Ali Zafar

Ullu Da Pattha (Remix) - Shankar, Ali Zafar & Akruti Kakkar

I Love Amreeka (Reprise) - Ali Zafar & Akruti Kakkar

Tere Bin Laden - Title Theme (Bonus Track) - Theme

Annie's 5 Unreleased Tracks (2010)

2010-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

Singer: Annie

Album Name: (Tracks From Upcoming Album)

MP3 Bitrate: 128Kbps (CBR)

Note : Right Click On Songs Link & Click On %Save target As..%

Original In Mp3 Formet (128kbps-CBR)

01 - Do You See Me - Annie

02 - Jane Jan - Annie

03 - Kali Raat - Annie

04 - Listen For - Annie

05 - Tu Woh Nahin - Annie

Abrar-Ul-Haq - Awein Na Kar Zulm (Video)

2009-12-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

Awein Na Kar Zulm - New Song by Abrar-Ul-Haq

The A to Z of 2009 in Pakistani music

2009-12-30T04:51:00.000-08:00

The A to Z of 2009

Instep takes a quick look at the year that was 2009 as we welcome the New Year…

By Amar Ayaz, Amina Baig and Maheen Sabeeh

link: http://jang.com.pk/thenews/dec2009-w.../mainissue.htm

Rahat Fateh Ali and Shafqat sing a duet for My Name is Khan

2009-12-30T04:46:00.000-08:00

Rahat Fateh Ali and Shafqat sing a duet for My Name is Khan

Strings deny involvement with the film

If it’s a Shah Rukh Khan-Karan Johar film, everything in it would be grand. Especially since Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots is making all the moolah at the box office.

Sneaky Mr Johar has scored a major coup by getting Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan to sing a duet together. The story began somewhere last week when it leaked over the Internet that Shafqat, Rahat and Strings are all doing songs for this much-talked about film.

While Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was unavailable for comment, Shafqat Amanat Ali’s manager, Sania Saeed broke the real story to Instep Today.

“Rahat and Shafqat have both sung songs for the film but it’s a duet. They haven’t shot any video for it though. You can check the updates on Twitter, which Dharma Productions have posted and also check on their official website. As far as I know, Strings are not part of the film.”

The rumour goes that Strings have done the theme song for the film but Bilal Maqsood denied the story. The rumour, according to him, is “false”. Another story doing rounds is that Rahat has done a single that is centered around Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol (we hope SRK doesn’t lip-sync to it). Now whether the single story is true or not, the music release of the film will tell. But Rahat and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan together is an explosive combination. We can hardly wait.

link: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/instep_today.asp

Olpers Ramadan 09 Ad Feat. Atif Aslam

2009-08-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Watch and Download Full Show: Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo- Sohail Rana

2009-07-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Performances by Sajjad Ali, Fariha Parvez, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Ali Haider, Humera Channa, Huma Khawaja, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Amanat Ali, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Tehseen Javed.

Part 1/5

-DesiMediaTube.coM

Part 2/5

Part 3/5

Part 4/5

Part 5/5

Part 2 Of The Show

Part 1 of 6 - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Part 2 of 6 - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Part 3 of 6 - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Part 4 of 6 - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Part 5 of 6 - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Part 6 of 6 - FINAL - Aaj Janey Ki Zid Na Karo

Download : Coke Studio Episode 2 'Harmony'

2009-07-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ali Zafar With Baqir Abbas – Daastan-e-Ishq (Nachna Painda Hai)

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Shafqat Amanat Ali – Aankhon Kay Sagar

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Josh – Jaanay Do

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Atif Aslam and Riaz Ali Khan – Kinara

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Saieen Zahoor – Toomba

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Download : Coke Studio Episode 1 'Individuality'

2009-07-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Saieen Zahoor & Noori – Aik Alif
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Javed Bashir – Aj Latha Naeeo

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Atif Aslam – Jal Pari

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Shafqat Amanat Ali – Khamaaj

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Zeb & Haniya – Paimona

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Zeb & Haniya in TIME's pick of the week

2009-03-01T01:48:00.001-08:00

Zeb & Haniya's album is in the top 5 Picks of the week in the Arts section of the latest Time magazine Asia edition.

Click the image for larger view

Call - Ho Jaane Do - Video

2009-03-01T01:45:00.000-08:00

PakMusic exclusively releases Call's latest video 'Ho Jaane Do'. The video has been directed by Umar Anwar. DOP is Zain Haleem, Art Director - Tahir Mehmood and edited by Zahir Ali.

Call - Ho Jaane De from Pakmusic on Vimeo.

Click Here to download.

Jal The Band - Kaash Yeh Pal Studio Version MP3 Song

2009-01-15T00:43:00.000-08:00

Download Jal The Band - Kaash Yeh Pal MP3 Song

Download Jal The Band - Kaash Yeh Pal Studio Version MP3 Song

Click Here To Download

Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma - Akhian Nu Rayan Dee MP3 Song

2008-12-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Download Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma at Lux Style Awards 2008 - Akhian Nu Rayan Dee MP3 Song - Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Akhian Nu Rayan Dee(musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 16-20

2008-12-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

Watch Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 16-20

Uploaded by Hariz from aadeez.com

Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 11-15

2008-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Watch Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 11-15

Uploaded by Hariz from aadeez.com

Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 6-10

2008-12-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Watch Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 6-10

Uploaded by Hariz from aadeez.com

Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 1-5

2008-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Watch Lux Style Awards 2008 Part 1 to 5

Uploaded by Hariz from aadeez.com

Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma - Lambi Judai MP3 Song

2008-12-02T02:17:00.000-08:00

Download Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma at Lux Style Awards 2008 - Lambi Judai MP3 Song - Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Lambi Judai(musikpakistan.blogspot.com.mp3

Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma - Meri Hum Jholiyan MP3 Song

2008-12-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

Download Atif Aslam's Tribute To Reshma at Lux Style Awards 2008 - Meri Hum Jholiyan MP3 Song - Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Meri Hum Jholiyan(musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

Music lovers turn out in full force to see Zeb and Haniya & ADP

2008-12-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Music lovers turn out in full force to see Zeb and Haniya and ADP rock the house

While the impact of the Mumbai terror attacks has hit home quite hard, and many a soul is worried at the repercussions it may have in Pakistan, Karachiites put their bravest foot forward and went out to see Zeb and Haniya and Aunty Disco Project put on a great show at the opening of Ego's second branch at The Forum. Karachi hasn't seen a live (and free!) concert in eons; it was great to see these musical acts perform their hearts out. In attendance were a slew of celebrities and music aficionados - including Shahi Hasan, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Pardesy, Ayesha Toor, Tara Mehmood and Naday Ali. Zeb and Haniya performed together with the boys from Coven - Sikandar Mufti, Hamza Jafri and Sameer Ahmed. And to see this event happen at a mall for anyone and everyone to come and see was a delight - this is exactly the kind of stuff that needs to happen in Karachi for people to have a great night out, as well as introduce different musicians to a larger audience who may not have heard of them. Haniya (who hobbled around on a sprained foot) told Instep Today that their tour to India is questionable now after the Mumbai terror attacks, since they were still waiting on their visas. The girls were scheduled to perform in three cities - Chennai, Bangalore and Pune.

Designer Adnan Pardesy, also a fan of the female musical duo told Instep Today, “Its such a relief to see anything happen in Karachi!” One hopes others take the cue from this bunch of young musicicians and put on a show for all of Karachi to enjoy.

LINK: The News International

'Indo-Pak relations may suffer a pause but not an end' - Atif Aslam

2008-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Atif Aslam says that Indo-Pak relations may suffer a pause but not an end

Pakistan's music industry has benefitted most by the improving relations between India and Pakistan and local artistes have prolifically been lending their voices to Bollywood productions as well as concerts and music festivals. Some have even gotten on board televised music shows. Atif Aslam is definitely one of the few who have attained massive following in India. Not only has he done the playback for high profile movies like Race and Kismet Konnection but he has also made frequent appearances of Indian programmes. And in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, Atif Aslam says, "I believe things between India and Pakistan will be strained for some time but they will ease out. For some time we will hesitate in going to Mumbai and Indians will perhaps think twice before coming here but that's all. I don't think our working relations with India will be effected in the long run."

Atif added that recordings (for movies etc) would easily be shifted to Dubai studios. As for his own future projects, Atif added that a few new compositions (for his next new album) were in the pipeline but he would not even think of releasing a new album, under the current circumstances.

"I can't even think about writing love songs when the man on the street doesn't even have bread to eat," he told Instep Today.

But on a more optimistic note he concluded that things would get better and especially, that gigs and concerts would start happening soon. Fingers crossed!

LINK: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Faakhir denies Ali Azmat's stand on his nasty jokes being scripted

2008-11-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

"The LSA showdown was not scripted!"

– Faakhir denies Ali Azmat's stand on his jokes being scripted

Who doesn't know about the Ali Azmat-Faakhir showdown at the recent Lux Style Awards? Ali Azmat kept cracking jokes and targeted Faakhir by first calling him "pretty" then telling him "the waiter wants his clothes back".

When Faakhir tried to defend himself by saying, "The world loves a joker", Ali retorted, "Yeah! I talk like one and you dress like one".

And that was just really nasty. When Instep Today asked Ali Azmat if he crossed the line with his jokes on Faakhir, Ali coolly replied, "It was all scripted and Faakhir knew what was coming his way. It looked like it was extempore but actually it wasn't."

It seems odd for this kind of script, given how annoyed Faakhir looked with Ali's snappy comebacks onstage.

Instep Today got in touch with Faakhir to find out if Ali's assertion was true. "The only script I was given was, 'now, we will announce the Female Model of the Year' and that's it," Faakhir said. "When I saw someone insulting me on stage, I had to reply back. I was not prepared for it and it was NOT scripted."

We do wonder what Ali was really thinking, taking a nasty swipe at a colleague no less. Faakhir's confirmation made it evident that the crass humour by Ali couldn't have been scripted. Come on… who expects Adeel Hashmi (who scripted the LSAs this year) to write such lines about other industry people?

Furthermore, Ali Azmat was slated to perform with celebrated singer Reshma but at the rehearsals, he revealed to Instep Today that he couldn't rehearse with Reshma so his performance act was dropped. That was understandable until Ali gave us another contradictory statement, after the show.

When Instep Today asked Ali if he missed performing with the legend or not he replied, "There was no point in singing Reshma's song on the platform provided. I would have preferred to sing my own."

Ah! He was not even interested in performing with Reshma - a woman who is iconic in Pakistan and was being honoured at the LSAs this year. We loved watching Atif Aslam and Shehzad Roy join her onstage and it would've been incredible had Ali Azmat also done the same.

But it seems Ali Azmat is neither interested in paying tributes to legends nor respecting his contemporaries. And how sad and unfortunate that is!

Link: The News International

Atif Aslam, "I'm happy when Criticised!"

2008-11-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

Atif Aslam loves negative publicity
By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

Atif Aslam, whose fans include Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, says top Bollywood singers are insecure about his success

Bollywood's top singers Asha Bhonsle and Sunidhi Chauhan may disagree on many things but the one thing they agree on is about the most over-hyped singer to hit Bollywood.

Throw them the question and the name of Pakistan's pop sensation Atif Aslam comes tumbling out. Minutes before he performed at a concert in Dubai on Thursday, tabloid! asked him the inevitable question — how does it feel to be criticised by your own peers so publicly?

"I love it. I love all the negative publicity and it shows that they are insecure about my success. They are protesting against a singer making it big in their territory," says Aslam, who is known for his intense vocals.

The singer of hit songs, such as Tere Bin and Pehli Nazar Mein, adds that though he has never claimed to be a great singer with any classical training, he can dish out a decent tune. "Imagine their reaction if I were to be properly trained too. I would be unstoppable."

His peers may consider him the biggest fluke, but the actors who feature in his songs are known to wax lyrical about him. (remember when Bollywood siren Bipasha Basu went ga-ga over his vocals and actively sought him out?)

"Katrina Kaif has joined that list too. She is my big fan. Also, the other day John Abraham [Bipasha's boyfriend] said my song [Pehli Nazar Mein] is their favourite going-on-a-drive song," says Aslam

7th LUX Style Awards: Jal, Strings and Atif among the award winners

2008-11-04T00:39:00.001-08:00

KARACHI: The city of lights hosted the seventh Lux Style Awards, also known as Pakistan's Oscars. The awards honor the country's talented personalities in four diverse industries that include music, film, television and fashion.

The dazzling ceremony, which was initially organised in Lahore, was held at the DHA Golf Club late Wednesday night. Adorned by the big wheels of the country's showbiz industry, it brought all the leading personalities from the fashion, music, television and film industries under one roof.

Shan and Ali Azmat along with their co-stars played host, the show went on the road before schedule since security was beefed up to avoid any problems. Performances by personalities, especially Atif Aslam and Shehzad Roy, captivated the audience.

The star of the night wasn't even a star, it was a movie, Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Kay Liya stole the show by nabbing four awards. Khuda Kay Liya was titled the best film, its score was named the best original soundtrack and its leading actor and actress, Shan and Iman Ali were honored with the best male and female actor awards. Shoaib Mansoor's blood, sweat and direction were greatly appreciated.

Besides the film industry's glitter, the music industry's voice was also appreciated. Strings won the Best Live Music Act Award and Jal's Boondh managed to grab the best music album of the year award.

The fashion industry's Deepak Perwani and Mahim Karim won the best male and female designer award, while Khawar Riaz was named the best make-up artist of the year. The people who wear fashion and those who capture it were also hailed; Ameer Zaib Khan and Neha Ahmed were given the best male and female model awards while Rizwanul Haq won the best fashion photographer.

The ceremony honors the careers of senior artists in their lifetime achievement award, this year the award was given to singer Reshma. What was different about these Lux Style Awards? Well, this year, for the first time in seven years, for the first time in the entire Lux Style Awards history, students from NAPA and NCA were appreciated, four outstanding students, two from NAPA and two from NCA were awarded Unilever Scholarship.

Entertainment Categories & fashion categories

1. Best Film | Khuda Kay Liye

2. Best Film Actor | Shaan for Khuda Kay Liye

3. Best Film Actress | Iman for Khuda Kay Liye

4. Best Original Sound Track | Khuda Kay Liye

5. Best TV Play (PTV) | Lyari Express

6. Best TV Director (PTV) | Manzoor Magsi for Lyari Express

7. Best TV Actor (PTV)| Asif Reza Mir for Merey Dard ko Jo Zuban Milay

8. Best TV Actress (PTV) | Beenish Chohan for Pehli Boond

9. Best TV Play (Satellite) | Man o Salwa

10. Best TV Director (Satellite) | Anjum Shehzad for Pehla Chand

11. Best TV Actor (Satellite)| Humayun Saeed for Koi Tau Barish

12. Best TV Actress (Satellite)| Bushra Ansari for Vanee

13. Best Music Live Act | Strings

14. Best Music Album | Jal for Boondh

15. Song of The Year | Sajni for Jal

16. Best Music Video Director | Bilal Lashari for Sajni by Jal

17. LUX Model of the Year (Female)| Neha

18. LUX Model of the Year (Male)| Ameer Zeb Khan

19. Best Emerging Talent (0-3 years) | Rabia Butt

20. Best Fashion Photographer| Rizwan ul-Haq

21. Best Hair and Make up Artist | Khawar Riaz

22. Achievement in Fashion Design - Couture | Rizwan Beyg

23. Achievement in Fashion Design - Pret | Maheen Karim

24. Best Retail Brand | Khaadi

25. Best Menswear Designer | Deepak Perwani

26. Lifetime Achievement in Fashion (15 years +) | Mrs. Sughra Kazmi

27. Red Carpet Best Dressed Male Celeb | Atif Aslam

28. Red Carper Best Dressed Female Celeb | Tooba Siddiqui

29. Unilever Chairman's Lifetime Achievement Award | Reshma

Shafqat Amanat Ali at Indian Idol Rubaroo - Oct 30th 2008

2008-11-03T03:10:00.000-08:00

Shafqat Amanat Ali appeared at Indian Idol Rubaroo on Oct 30th 2008. Looks like he had good time with the youngsters.

MPX: Drama OST - Sherdil (2008-VBR-320-MP3)

2008-11-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Download Drama OST - Sherdil (2008 VBR 320) Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Download Drama OST - Sherdil (2008 VBR 320) Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Tracklist:
01 Sherdil (OST) (Ali Noor from Noori) DOWNLOAD
02 Kaisa Tera Pyar (Saleem Javaid) DOWNLOAD
03 Tu Mera Dil (Feat JO-G) (Saleem Javaid) DOWNLOAD
04 Janam Rangi (Rahim Shah) DOWNLOAD
05 Ji Liya (Akash) DOWNLOAD
06 Ajnabi (Akash) DOWNLOAD
07 Faasla (College) DOWNLOAD
08 Sohni Mahiwaal (College) DOWNLOAD
09 Sherdil (With Sound Effects) (Ali Noor from Noori) DOWNLOAD
10 Pyaar Ka Jaal (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
11 Jaanay Kyun (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
12 Raag Neela (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
13 Ik Chah (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
14 Hai Pyaar Kia (Mizmaar) DOWNLOAD
15 Sitara (Mizmaar) DOWNLOAD
16 Nahi Hay ye Pyaar (Haroon) DOWNLOAD
17 Jaisay Jaantay Nahi (Usman Shani) DOWNLOAD
18 Raaste (Usman Shani) DOWNLOAD

Shafqat Amanat Ali's 'Tabeer' VS. Fuzon's 'Journey' - Albums analysis

2008-11-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Beyond the long shadow of Fuzon

The original Fuzon and their debut, Saagar, is considered one of the best albums of the decade. But the band didn't last. Shafqat Amanat Ali went solo with Tabeer while Fuzon recreated themselves with a new vocalist Rameez Mukhtar and a new album Journey.

By Maheen Sabeeh

Butterfly effect

The original Fuzon has the kind of complicated, tortuous story that would send a less dynamic band into oblivion. However, since this former trio is as compelling as it gets; they have all survived on.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan is now a solo trooper in the music scene. Meanwhile former band mates Shallum Xavier and Emu resuscitated their claim to fame act Fuzon with a new singer, Rameez Mukhtar.

And fortunately both acts delivered on their promise of a new album ala Shafqat's Tabeer and Fuzon's Journey.

Now though with both records out, the question that one predicted since the band first broke up has been hanging in the air: which is better? Most importantly, does it surpass the genius of Saagar?

Neither of the two can be answered in a simple yes or no. The only thing more complicated than creating an actual record is deciphering the feeling behind it and its timing. There is a trickle down effect to every piece of music created. What Saagar did for the music industry is very different from what Tabeer and Journey are doing. And that is exactly the case here. But first a look at the two records…

Tabeer vs Journey: the similarities

In some ways, Tabeer and Journey are similar. Both boast of incredibly powerful singers. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan is of course the bigger draw. The son of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, the seventh son from the prestigious Patiala gharana has deep, untainted vocals that remain unmatchable. Not enough can be said for the sheer power of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. It is the kind of voice that is not only inimitable but one that stands tall in front of both pop superstars and rock chameleons.

Rameez Mukhtar, while not exactly another Shafqat in the making, is a decent singer and is capable of hitting just the right notes without being off key, which is just such an underrated feat today in the industry. We often tend to dismiss the 'baysura' element in our singers in front of other qualities such as star power, popularity and other factors. And this is where Rameez delivers.

The other similarity is that of 'fusion' itself.

Shafqat and Fuzon have stated that their records are a fusion of genres. While the songwriting is driven from Eastern ethos such as raags and kafis from ancient kalaams by Sufi names, the music is made contemporary, making it more relatable for an entire generation unaware of the massive heritage that we call our own.

Fuzon's (the new one) lead single, 'Neend Na Aaye' is driven from Raag Aiman while Shafqat's Pagalpan off Tabeer is an inspiration from Sindhi folk. Both Shafqat and Fuzon have based their music around basic compositions that have been around for quite some time.

The difference

Tabeer

As always, it isn't a composition, on its own that makes it a favourite with fans but the treatment that makes the real, long lasting difference. And when it comes to treatment, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan takes the cake.

From nowhere does Tabeer sound like Saagar. This album swells and expands in directions that Saagar never took.

Unlike Saagar, Tabeer is hardly mournful. Au contraire, it is a concoction of songs that have a kind of universal melancholy that sporadically plays with the sunshine effect.

'Khairheyan De Naal' based on a composition by Tufail Niazi, with its languid nature, subtle guitars and rolling drums is astonishing.

The Darbari-based 'Kartar' is the high point of Shafqat's vocal virtuosity and with the grandiose orchestration, it is brilliant.

Meanwhile 'Rohi' (originally sung by Zahida Parveen) is an intriguing blend of East-West. The sparse and peaceful introduction just gives it a soothing tone and the beautiful flute gives this tune such a solid character.

On 'Naina' tinkling piano notes, smooth guitars, subtle percussion and storytelling-like lyrics make it one of the many powerful songs on this record.

'Rang Le' and 'Bulleh Shah' are the dark, haunting tunes of the record with calming vocals and atmospheric mood.

Manqabat' and 'Dum Ali Ali Dum' despite the many versions around have the kind of magic that is glorious yet restrained, totally gripping and impeccable.

The only flaw on the record comes in the form of 'Pagalpan'. Driven from Sindhi folk, it is just chaotic due to its electronica-like treatment that just makes the tune more Bollywood-esque than anything else. The music just doesn't work on this.

Journey

Journey began where Saagar left off. The main distinction came in two forms: the singer that was replaced and the music that is a lot more crunchier. On its own, Journey is a decent debut record. I say debut because it is the first time Shallum, Emu and Rameez have worked together on a full-fledged album and the equation between them has just begun.

Songs like 'Ab Hum Kahan Hain', 'Choo Le' and 'Pari' are made for concert tunes. Shallum's tryst with guitars is never too outlandish. He pulls everything between a Salman Ahmed to The Edge (U2) and makes it work while Emu proves his prowess as a keyboardist who can play magically and yet restrain himself.

There are gems of ballads that are equally entertaining as they are beautiful. 'Suna Suna' and 'Neend Na Aaye' are the two examples and it isn't just the somber music that does the trick. Rameez Mukhtar emotes as a singer and stretches the songs in the right directions, hitting all the right notes along the way.

'Joo Dil Ne Kaha' which is perhaps the moodiest tune on the record with its sharp instrumentation, crisp sound and haunting vocals is beautiful.

But like most albums, the flaws here are glaring. 'Atish O Aab' is an extremely weak melody that is downright forgettable while 'Teri Yaadan' and 'Dholna' are plagued with weak vocals.

The verdict

Comparisons are inevitable. Tabeer and Journey have once again called for them. Between the two albums, it is Tabeer that holds more power, not just because of Shafqat's vocals but the music that is daring, different and experimental.

Tabeer uses verses from Tufail Niazi, late Zahida Parveen, Amir Khusro, and qawwalis like 'Dum Ali Ali Dum' but it keeps the traditional rustic feel alive while creating a juggernaut of sound that not only distances itself from a mighty album like Saagar but takes a step forward.

Tabeer is soulful, yet musically it is challenging. On the first hear, one might inadvertently mistake it as a Bollywood like album. But listen closely. The majestic orchestration is neither as chaotic nor is it too convoluted like most Bollywood music.

In comparison to Saagar, many have said it pales. But that is hardly true. The real truth is that Saagar was a phenomenal debut that made for easy listening with its simple yet beautiful sound. Tabeer dares to experiment. It is more complex and intricate.

And it is here where Journey falters. Not that it isn't a decent record. But the experimentation on Journey comes in the shape of more loud songs, which might work at shows. But in the long run, it won't have the kind of hypnotic effect that Tabeer holds.

Journey picks up on the Saagar format of music but doesn't recreate the sounds on the same scale.

The genius of Saagar and its compounded effect

For the original Fuzon, Saagar was a groundbreaking record that catapulted the three men behind the album to instant fame, recognition, commercial success and even critical acclaim.

It was one of the few records that managed to make every song stand out. Be it the beautiful 'Khamaj', the playful 'Deewanay' or the subtle 'Tera Bina'.

'Ankhon Kay Saagar', Fuzon's first video wasn't exactly one of their finest. It was just a platform for the men to perform and they did just that. And it worked like a charm.

Fuzon became so popular that they managed to make videos with coveted music video directors like Saqib Malik ('Khamaj', 'Deewanay') and Jami ('Ankhian').

Saagar wasn't just another album. It was a record that created three stars. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan became one of the most talked about singers. Meanwhile veterans like Shallum Xavier and Emu, who had been around in the music industry for a decade, finally tasted commercial success. For the first time, the spotlight was on all three men and they became a part of the pop juggernaut.

But after just one record, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Shallum Xavier and Emu separated. And that not only sent shockwaves throughout the industry but it changed the stakes for all three men.

A rewind…

With Saagar's release in India, Shafqat's vocals became famous. So much so that Shankar Mahadevan (of Shankar-Ehsan-Loy fame) tracked Shafqat down and offered him a playback singing number which turned out to be Karan Johar's magnum opus, star-studded Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna that featured among others Shah Rukh Khan. This was in 2006. Soon after, things started taking a sour turn for the band.

A rift of sorts began within the band. When three men start thinking differently, a clash becomes inevitable. And that is what had happened.

Before the band officially called it off, the long delayed second album was in shambles. Each had his reason.

Shallum Xavier attributed the delayed sophomore album to sour record label deals. Without a solid record deal, Fuzon wasn't going to release its record.

Emu blamed it on bad record label deal and Shafqat. He claimed that Fuzon's manager Sen Management (Erum, Nazia and Sania Saeed) caused the rift. Sen Management, in Emu's words, was managing Shafqat more.

Back then, Shafqat didn't bring up breaking up or any problems within the band. His take was that an album deal was in the pipeline. But with three different opinions, the break up was inevitable.

And when the band broke up, Instep (along with the entire media brigade) received a press release that introduced Rameez Mukhtar as the new vocalist. The press release didn't even mention Shafqat or his reason for a departure.

It was a bitter break up of an incredible band that together made an album that remains one of the finest ever done in this country.

The new game

After going solo, Shafqat's career picked up even more. After making it big with 'Mitwa' off Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Shafqat's worth within Pakistan and abroad only increased. After all, the song was featured on Shah Rukh Khan. While working on Tabeer, Shafqat also struck gold in Bollywood. He sang on KANK, then Dor and recently on the Salman Khan starrer Hello. Among other projects is Nagesh Kukunoor's John Abraham starrer Aashaeyin. He is also in talks with AR Rahman. Shafqat is also planning another album, after the promotion of Tabeer is over, with Rohail Hyatt and that album, he says, will feature songs that he wrote for Fuzon back when he was in the band.

Recently Shafqat also sang on the soundtrack of the Pakistani film Ramchand Pakistani.

Debajyoti Mishra (Raincoat fame), the music director of the film, specially asked for Shafqat for this project to director Mehreen Jabbar. And not surprisingly, the film's music has won rave reviews universally.

Tabeer has just released but the response has been solid, according to Shafqat. When this article goes in print, Shafqat will be off to India for a series of concerts.

In comparison, the new Fuzon's career graph is not looking so bright. The band made the blunder of making 'Neend Na Aaye' their first lead single off Journey. 'Neend Na Aaye' had already been heard as the old Fuzon's tune and had leaked over the Internet in Shafqat's voice. As opposed to releasing a brand new tune, the band released 'Neend Na Aaye' as their own tune, with Rameez replacing Shafqat. And while it may be their best single, it always reminds one of Shafqat.

The new Fuzon released videos and even toured India. But with other acts like Ali Azmat, Zeb and Haniya, Azal, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Strings - all out with fantastic new albums, Fuzon's worth in the market has diminished. The new Fuzon just hasn't been able to make a big splash, the kind one first witnessed when Saagar had happened.

In the end

Tabeer may not become the next Saagar but then again, how could it possibly be? Fuzon was three men, with hugely diverse music influences coming together. And Tabeer is just Shafqat. But for Shafqat, it is still a pretty effective record. The sales are up and Shafqat is making all the right moves. He has struck a fabulous deal in India where Tabeer is being promoted all over the place. And for him, it is just the beginning.

On the other hand, Journey hasn't created the same effect for Fuzon. Rameez Mukhtar has just entered the spotlight and he is trying to fill in the shoes of Shafqat, which is certainly not easy.
This round has been won by Shafqat. It remains to be seen where Fuzon go from here but for them to last, the shadow of old Fuzon has to be replaced. Unfortunately Journey hasn't done that.

What if?

One can't help but ask what if original Fuzon hadn't separated?

Shafqat's popularity rose while he was with Fuzon. He had solo offers that he pursued and that created resentment within the band. There were obvious problems of miscommunication and misunderstanding between Shallum, Emu and Shafqat.

But what if… they had worked through those differences?

Between the three of them was Saagar and with three schools of music coming together, it was one hell of an album. It was magic just like Talaash and Azadi were for Junoon and Hum Tum was for the Vital Signs. Our bet is that had the original line-up survived together, they could've created a melting pot of Tabeer and Journey. Just imagine that! And now we'll never know...

LINK: INSTEP Magzine

Shiraz Uppal sings again for A.R Rahman for upcoming movie 'Boys'

2008-11-02T13:04:00.001-08:00

IN MUSIC: Shiraz Uppal Sings For A.R. Rahman… Again!

From Dhoka to Life Online to Boys, Shiraz Uppal prepares to make his mark on the Bollywood industry one more time.

He is perhaps the most locally underrated vocalist that we have in the country. The voice that can perhaps best be remembered as that which sang the hauntingly melodic Roya Re for Mahesh Bhatt’s Dhoka, Shiraz Uppal was also the first Pakistani artiste to be featured as a co-music director (he shares credits with M.M. Karim). Mahesh’s Bhatt’s words “This song can do wonders for both of us” proved to be prophetical as Roya Re went on to become one of the biggest hits of 2007.

Fast following the success of Roya Re, Shiraz Uppal was approached by Bollywood actor/writer Akash Khurana (of Aashiqi, Krishh, Duplicate and Baazigar fame) to feature one of his songs from his Jhuki Jhuki album, Munn Ja Vey, in Akash’s upcoming film, Life Online.

Shiraz Uppal was also nominated for a TMA (The Musik Award) at the function that was held earlier this year. Roya Re was nominated in the category of the best pop song but surprisingly lost to Armaan by Siege.

But coming to Shiraz Uppal’s Bollywood activities, he recently announced that ace Bollywood music director A.R. Rahman had just completed recording Shiraz Uppal for his upcoming film, Boys. Shiraz recorded the vocals for the song featured in the film, Secret of Success, in his studio in Lahore whereas the music and composition was done and recorded in India. Abbas Tyrewala wrote the lyrics of the song and S. Shankar has directed it.

The film was originally released in 2003 in Tamil and was quite successful in the market. It is now being dubbed in Hindi and Uppal has been invited to participate in the soundtrack. The film’s original score in Tamil was also done by A.R. Rahman.

Boys stars Siddarth Narayan who began his acting career with this film. He has made his mark in films across three languages, Hindu, Tamil and Telugu. The heroine of the film, Genelia D’Souza, also acts in local-language films and has Bollywood films such as Masti, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, It’s My Life and Life Partner to her credit.

Previously, Shiraz Uppal had worked with A.R. Rahman on the film Nayak.—HS

LINK: IN MUSIC: Shiraz Uppal Sings For A.R. Rahman… Again! -DAWN Images

Ali Zafar - Aag (Video) (Download)

2008-10-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to download Ali Zafar - Aag (Video)

Exclusive Release From Pakmusic.net

MPX: Atif Aslam - Random Alaps (Aadat) - MP3 Song

2008-10-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Download Atif Aslam's Random Alaps (Aadat) - MP3 Format

Download MPX: Atif Aslam - Random Alaps (Aadat) - MP3 Song

http://www.mediafire.com/file/gaxvm2d1hty/Random Alaaps [Aadat](musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

New Telenor Ad Featuring Annie and Amanat Ali

2008-10-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Amanat Ali becomes brand ambassador for Telenor

2008-10-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Amanat Ali becomes brand ambassador for Telenor - News From Ary One World.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan on solo act, Pak music & Bollywood

2008-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

The second coming of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan

The man who blazed his way through Pakistani pop with Saagar is back with a new album, Tabeer. From classical novelty to phenomenon, Shafqat has made his mark. In this interview Shafqat speaks on finally making the leap as a solo singer, the important of infrastructure for the music industry, making it big in Bollywood and a lot more…

By Maheen Sabeeh

It was in 2002 when Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan escalated to unprecedented success with his then-band Fuzon and the beautiful album Saagar.

Fast forward to 2008 and it sees the return of the majestic singer once again. But this time, it's his solo album, Tabeer, and Shafqat is calling all the shots.

As we meet for an interview at the Arts Council in Karachi - where Shafqat has been rehearsing with his live band before flying off to India - it's clear that he is a busy man.

Shafqat sits down with me, just chatting about the humid weather, only to be called back and throws an apologetic look before taking one final stab at a tune.

Even though the gap between Tabeer and Saagar is of a few years, Shafqat has managed to stay in the spotlight. Singing for Karan Johar's magnum opus Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna in 2006 put Shafqat firmly on the Indian map. And since then it has been an upward spiral for him.

This really is the second coming of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and for him it is a lifelong dream that has come true on his own terms and in its own time.

In this interview with Instep, Shafqat reveals the feeling behind Tabeer, the importance of Bollywood, the India-Pakistan difference and why digital music is the order of the day…

Instep: This is your first album in over five years. And this time, you're a solo artist and there is no Fuzon. Saagar was a smash hit, critically and commercially. Tabeer has a lot of expectations behind it. How are you feeling? Nervous?

Shafqat Amanat Ali: Whenever I work on an album, I'm least bothered about its success. I don't think about whether it'll be a hit or otherwise.

My major concern is that people should like it and they should respect my work. My concern is not to get popular. I don't want to be only popular. I also want my work to be respected.

Instep: How did Tabeer happen?

SAA: It wasn't even my idea. It was in fact Music Today (Indian record label). Our initial briefings led me to believe that they were looking for a Sufi album.

I realized at that time that the Sufi music one hears of from India is not original. I told them that you think that if you mix guitars with tabla, its Sufi music. However, Sufi music is made of kalaam. Baba Bullay Shah, Baba Farid, Shah Hussain and Amir Khusro wrote kalaams. We pick up their kalaams and compose it in a very traditional way. That is original Sufi music. When I discussed this with Music Today, they were very excited.

They asked me to make something but I declined. I asked that we first sign a contract and get the legal procedures taken care of. When we were done with everything, I made them a demo and they liked it. The work on the album began. Somewhere down the line, the music started becoming very mellow but we still wanted it to be Sufi so we added folk to it.

Tabeer started out as a Sufi but as we progressed it wasn't completely Sufi. It has folk as well as fusion. It's a variety of genres.

Instep: You were also supposed to work on an album with Rohail Hyatt. What happened to that?

SAA: Both Tabeer and another album were being done with Rohail Hyatt. Once I'm done with the promotion of Tabeer, then I'll work with Rohail on another album that I had composed back in Fuzon days.

As for Tabeer, he was onboard but then Coke Studio happened. He got busy with that and he said Shafqat, I won't be able to do this.

Instep: Despite album releases from big guns of the music industry like Ali Azmat, Strings, Atif Aslam and Jal, there are hardly any music shows. Musicians tend to appear more on television and those shows are often on DAT (digital audio tape)…

SAA: There are many reasons. Firstly, it's the security situation. If someone invests in a concert and a bomb blast happens and 100 people die, then what? I'm not saying that concerts are a target but the fear is everywhere. No one will invest in such a scenario.

Secondly, people are financially and economically very weak. People who are facing problems in paying electricity bills and feeding their families, they don't have 1000 rupees to spend on a concert ticket. You can listen to songs in your car or on the radio and in your house anytime. Concerts have gate crashers and security problems.

Thirdly, TV channels don't pay the artists. They say that we are recording but they are selling their time. They are getting ads and are paid for it. If artists are not being paid, they won't live shows for free on air.

Instep: You escalated to fame in India with Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna's 'Mitwa'. How did that come about?

SAA: It was very simple. The very first time I spoke to Shankar (Mahadevan), it was on the phone since he was leaving for USA and he couldn't come and a journalist was also there. He said to me, 'Shafqat, I'm a huge fan'. We exchanged a few words.

He heard Saagar on the radio and asked around about me. Then one day Ehsaan called me. They were in Goa and said that they wanted to do a song with me.

I had gotten offers to sing for Indian films prior to KANK but either I refused or would ask an amount that producers wouldn't agree to.

When Ehsan called I said I'll do it without knowing whether it's a film or their own album. It was then that I found out about KANK. They told me that someone from Dharma Productions would call. Anyway, then Karan Johar called and said: "I'm a great fan and I listen to your album in my car and I love it. And I want you to come and sing a song for us". And that was that.

Instep: Is Bollywood a necessary evil for Pakistani musicians to survive in the Indian market?

SAA: I'm not sure about others but it's different in my case. I've never let them (Indians) walk all over me. I've never done anything that's not up to the mark. If I think it's not respectful I don't do it. I had five offers earlier and I refused them. They were not big banners and they didn't have anything to offer me.

Even for KANK, when I heard its Dharma Productions and Shah Rukh Khan's name, I didn't change my price. I charge what I charge. I will fly business class, I will stay three days and I'll stay at the Marriott.
The point is that if you don't lose your identity and keep a certain self esteem, I don't think anyone can cheat you or do any wrong. India is a very big market no doubt but we can't rely on it 100 percent. We have our own viewer ship here in Pakistan. If we get famous from here, people will respect us abroad. Tomorrow if they stop giving me work, what will I do? They don't owe me anything. When their own singers have stopped working in Indian films, then who are we? And it's not like I'm a very big singer that without me their industry won't work. Today they picked my song 'Mitwa' and made it a hit. Tomorrow they'll use someone else's song and that'll become a hit. So whatever work you do in India, you should do it while protecting your self respect and ego.

82 Rocker - Kamran Ahmed's Gin Gin Taray MP3 Song

2008-10-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Download 82 Rocker - Kamran Ahmed's GIN GIN TARAY Unreleased MP3 Song

Download Link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/153930474/82Rocker-Gin_Gin_Taray__Unreleased_.mp3
OR
http://www.soundupload.com/audio/xcmikc0l59zl5dsy

Originally Posted by djwaz on pakstop.com forums

Interview: Aunty Disco Project's Omar Bilal Akhtar on the future of Pakistan & music

2008-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

"I've always been optimistic about Pakistan. Our people have been through so much, but they keep bouncing back. That's got to mean something!"

– Aunty Disco Project's front man, Omar Bilal Akhtar, speaks on the future of Pakistan, music, and how the video of 'Nazar' marks the rebirth of ADP

Maheen Sabeeh, Karachi

Aunty Disco Project aka ADP have been around for sometime now. Hailing from Karachi, the band consists of Omar Bilal Akhtar (Vocals/ Guitar/Bass), Omar "OK" Khalid (Drums/Guitar) and Yasir Qureshi (Darbuka/ Percussion). With two videos ('Sultanat' and 'Iss Tanhai Koi') out and a consistent web presence via Facebook and MySpace, the band has developed a cult following with rock fans. And now with their third video, 'Nazar', ADP have re-launched themselves in the public stratosphere.

'Nazar' is, many ways, a breaking off of the ADP image. The song is primarily a soft ballad and unlike any tune the band has ever done. Even the video is more than a DIY effort. With Umer Adil in the director's seat, the video is simply put, beautiful. It spins around fantasy and costumes that are borrowed from fairy tales; put together brilliantly, the video demands attention. And it works on many levels. For fans of soft rock, this one will be worth remembering.

In this interview with Instep Today, Omar Bilal, ADP front man speaks on the new video, upcoming album and his stint as music director for the hit musical Chicago.

Instep Today: 'Nazar' is a change of sound for ADP. Was it a conscious effort to turn the sound around?

Omar Bilal: You could say that. The song is my most personal song on the album and it was always a favourite of ours, even though we all weren't playing on it. When it came to choosing the song for the next video, we could have either gone with 'Shehar Kay Aansoo' or 'Nazar'. We decided to go with the mellow acoustic number just so that we could show a different side of ourselves. We're hoping 'Nazar' will introduce us to people who aren't really our core audience and we can avoid being pigeon-holed as a hard rock band.

Instep Today: How did this video come about?

Omar Bilal: All the credit goes to the director Umer Adil and his wife/set designer Beenish Waiz. We didn't really want to give them any suggestions because we wanted to see what they could come up with on their own after listening to the song. The only guidelines I gave them were that we didn't want it to be obviously romantic (like the song), slow or too serious. We also suggested that maybe the video could have some dark humor in it, (kind of like Take That's video for 'How Deep Is your Love').

Umer and Beenish then came up with the fairytale-esque setting and the period costumes and we got to pick our individual characters. I have to admit, we were a little apprehensive about the whole costume thing because we're supposed to be this dirty hardcore rock band and here we are dressed up like we're in Legends of The Fall! But in the end, I'm glad we did because it was so much fun, and Umer and Beenish got it just right.

Instep Today: Is Imran Lodhi - bass guitartist - still a part of ADP after leaving for Canada or has Ganda Banda Ali Alam replaced him permanently?

Omar Bilal: Well, Imran is in Canada and we're here, so as with most relationships, the long-distance thing wasn't working. So we parted amicably and we wish him all the best for his solo efforts.

Ali is long-term fan of ours and a good friend, so initially he stepped in to help us fulfill our live show commitments. But as far as him being a fulltime permanent member of ADP, he's still undecided. I can tell you we love playing with him and he's definitely part of our live line-up. Officially, we're down to being a trio.

Instep Today: What is happening with the album?

Omar Bilal: The ADP album Aunty Disco Project has technically already been released, we did everything ourselves, from writing, recording, producing, printing and distributing. We only sold the CDs at our shows and some select cafes in Karachi. There was and still is an opportunity for us to release it officially through a record label but personally I feel that those songs just don't represent us anymore, and for us to go back and release stuff that's already been around for two years would be kind of stale. I'm much more excited about the new material we're writing and the plan is to record a brand new album, with proper production and a record label release. The songs we've already released are available for download on the web so people can still get a hold of them. What we're also doing is launching a proper website that will have all our songs and live recordings available for download and I think that's the best way for us to get the music to our fans.

Instep Today: Internet is becoming a huge medium in the urban centers of Pakistan. But to make a big splash, the physical copy of the album is important in the market. Do you agree?

Omar Bilal: You know the physical act of releasing a CD, with an album cover, press conference and the whole shebang is probably more important than just having a CD out in the market. What record labels do for us is generate publicity so that people can associate us as an act that has some credibility. So yes, in that sense it's important to have a record label support you so that people know who you are. But having a CD itself is not that important anymore because everyone gets music off the net anyway. We're pretty keen on making our website auntydiscoproject.com the one-stop shop for all things ADP and we feel that will be more effective than CD sales.

Instep Today: How hopeful are you about the country's future with the new government in place?

Omar Bilal: You know, I've always been one of those people who is optimistic about Pakistan. The way I look at it, our people have been though so much, but they keep bouncing back, so thats got to mean something. I believe in the resilience of the people, and I believe that the government is irrelevant.

Instep Today: You also performed with Chicago, the musical. Tell us about your experience with this musical.

Omar Bilal: The director Nida Butt originally wanted me to act and sing in the show but I had commitments with ADP so I took on a smaller speaking role and also took on the responsibility of music director. It was a personal goal of mine to work in a musical and I saw it as a great opportunity to expand my musical genre experience. I composed the score for the musical (the bits that weren't already part of the original) and that was personally very rewarding because it was very different from the rock music I usually do. The cast was an amazing bunch of people and working with them gave me a huge confidence boost.

Instep Today: What is next for ADP?

Omar Bilal: A new album! We've written brand new tracks which we're going to be previewing at our upcoming gigs. We're really excited about them, they're much better than anything we've written, its much more heavy and edgy, so I cannot wait to go back into the studio. 'Nazar' is kind of a re-launch for us into public consciousness so we intend to take advantage of that and focus on getting more people to see us, that includes finally performing in Lahore and Islamabad. That's our top priority right now.

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Jago By Strings Video

2008-10-17T12:23:00.001-07:00

What do you think about String's new video. Share your thoughts with us and also give the ratings for this video out of 10.

World Tour 2008 Review By Atif Aslam

2008-10-13T11:37:00.001-07:00

Loving Aadeez
Its been a long time I haven¡t spoke to you on forums but trust me I was really busy and was trying to cherish all of you by being at your places and close to you
Summer beats USA tour was being awaited since winters and this was my 4th Tour to United States but this time it was altogether on a different high level
God was and is always kind as ever to gimme an opportunity to perform at one of the best venues of United States, places where our dream rock stars had been performing
We were a troop of about 35 people including our band kailash khers band,richa sherma, amanat , dancers and the technical support people to perform at 12 diff cities.
Departure
My entire team assembled at the airport at approx 9 pm on May 12th 2008. The Flight to US was a comfortable one. Lots of in-flight entertainment and trust me the food was Good. Go PIA Everyone had plans to sleep on the plane, but I don¡¦t know was it the excitement or what, none of us were able to achieve this particular objective for the entire 18 hours flight.
Chicago. May 16th, 2008 - Odeum Sports and Expo Center- Chicago
This was Our 1st concert on tour. This was the thing we had come for, this was the thing everyone was yarning to be at. The Concert was held on May 16th, 2008 at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center- Chicago. The concert was organized very nicely and we were taken really good care of by Monty, Majid Bhia and all of their team. The concert was a blast. It was oversold, and the audience was awesome. Ironically the Sound was electrifying and the performance went super. The only flaw that I could identify was that although Amant Ali and Kelish Kher were supposed to be there, but due to visa problems and logistics, they could not make it there.
The best thing was, that after the concert when we reached our hotel, almost the entire fan club was standing at the hotel. There were so many people that the hotel receptionist got so pissed off, she had to call CPD Chicago Police Department. I was told later by my band member that I missed the scene as 4 CPD cars surrounded the hotel and it seamed like a scene from some Al-Pachino movie.
May 17th, 2008 Dallas Convention Center
We met a very good friend Mr. Raza at Dallas, who officially was not our promoter, but he took very special care of us. The concert was at the Dallas Convention Center. He made sure that our stay at the Grand Haytt situated in downtown Dallas and it was flawless, and he had deputed his personal fleet of cars at our disposal.
The good thing was that after the first 4 days, we eventually got our First well earned 3 days break. By this time after looking at our eyes, any normal person would immediately jump to the conclusion that we all were heavily on drugs, because all we had on our eyes were red colors (due to lack of sleep) and halkay
Los Angeles May 24th, 2008 (at The Terrace Theater)
Our next show was in Los Angeles on May 24th, 2008 at The Terrace Theater. This show was also organized pretty well. Thanx to Ballah promoter and his family, with whom we I created a flourishing friendship. Just to mention here, it¡s said that everything in Texas is Big. I guess that¡¦s wrong for Texas, cause everything in LA is Big. As I had a few days to relax, for the very first time I went for a shopping spree. I had been having the craving for getting my hands on a new baby. This was meant to happen In LA as it was here, when I purchased a brand new electric guitar of ¡§Gretsch¡§ and surprised all my band members when I pulled it out from its case just before the concert in LA. That was the official launch of my first shopping and that baby sounded awesome when it was plugged in. (p.s im still talking about my new guitar, don¡¦t get any weird Ideas about who the baby is.)
At this time, all of us had the first chance to go meet up with our friends and families which was certainly a blessing in disguise.
It was here in LA that I went to a private party, and there I met up with the winner of American Idol, David Cook. We had a nice conversation with each other, and I told him about the type of music that we make in the East, to which not only was he very interested in but wanted to have detailed account. Not only did I meet David, but I was fortunate to meet up with Randy Jakson and Simon Cowell, the judges of the American Idol Final show.
Houston May 25th, 2008 George Brown Convention Center
Houston show was very energetic. During our tour, we figured out quit amazing stuff on sound checks and rehearsals, and in our concerts experimented a lot with new stuff. The audience response to it was mesmerizing, specially when we did the numbers of Tayray bin, Berre, Dorrie, Rabba, Mayee, and last but not the least Addat. Apart from all these, there was one day that I heard on the Radio a song called Billy Jeans by Michael Jackson, and while we were backstage before our performance, that I so got into that song that I just picked up my guitar, and started to play it in my own way. Suddenly sameer started the base grove and it was so perfect, that we kept on repeating that song. There was only one slight problem. We did not know the entire lyrics. It was only 20 mints left before we were supposed to be onstage, suddenly someone came up with the brilliant idea, to down load the lyrics for any black berry. A black berry with internet connection was found, and guess what, we downloaded the lyrics, wrote it on a paper, and played that song on stage. It was so funny, that I was singing and Sameer had a paper over my shoulder with the lyrics. I think it was not a bad performance after all, considering that we did not even practice is properly once. All hats off to my band, who are always open for new experiments.
May 26th, 2008 Orlando ¡V UCF (University of Central Florida!) auditorium
There was one incident in Orlando, which I would like to quote over here. While I was on stage, and we were almost at our 2nd last song, there was this one girl who somehow managed to come on stage. Not that I mind that, but within seconds I found myself surrounded with I guess 60 people who were on stage. At that time I was playing the guitars and the mic was not in my hand as it was on the mic stand. And suddenly I see that I did not have the ownership of the mic, and there was this one dude with a white shirt, who had successfully taken over ¡K.and to my surprise was singing as well¡K..the rest of the people just wanted to touch me and kiss me. Not that I mind being with my fans, but hellow !!! I think we were having a Professional Concert. There was no security what so ever, and I was rescued by Aly, who just grabbed me and took me offstage. Now that¡¦s what I call a close call.

New Jersey May 31st, 2008 Sovereign Bank Arena
NJ concert was also organized in a very big arena, but to our surprise this town was really deserted. We stayed at the Marriott. The funny thing that happened here was that on the first night of arrival, after taking a long flight, we all called it quits for the night and every one had affirmed that they will sleep till late in the morning so that they can wakeup fresh for the concert the next day. But fate was thinking otherwise. At almost 6.30 in the morning everyone in the Entire hotel was JOLTED UP by this loud public address system, and all we could here was, This is not a drill, please EVACUATE the building immediately, do not take your belongings, do not use the lift, this is not a drill, please evacuate the building¡¨ ¡K¡K..on my God this is not happening¡K¡K. was my first impression. By the time I reached downstairs, I could see the entire hotel assembled at a designated area, with long faces and unimaginable hair styles. Some were bare feet, some in their sleeping suits while some in their nightgowns and some in their shorts. Every one had to evacuate without taking their personal belongings as this alarm was a fire alarm. As I looked at the people, I saw this one dude who was in is night suit, but carrying a laptop on his shoulders¡K..hey wait a minute, this guy looks familiar. On closer focus, I found out it was Mobin, our drummer, who in all this panic and frenzy, made it sure, that he did take his newly purchased laptop with him. The common statement that every one was whispering and asking to each other was ¡§ oyee tu room main cigarette tou nahee pea rahaa thaa¡¨ jis wajah say fire alarm bajaa thaa. Later it was found out that some Kid in the hotel had pressed the Fire Alarm lever and it went off. Thanks for running our sleep dude. Yet once again like it happened in Chicago, we saw an entourage of Police cars and fire brigades approaching and encircling the hotel.

Toronto June 1st, 2008 Hershey Center
The high time came when we had to perform our first show in Canada (Toronto). The moment we landed in Canada it was totally a change of environment for us. The good thing that I remember about Canada was, that after we cleared immigrations and customs, and as we all were walking out, to our surprise, suddenly out of no where, did we started to hear screams and shouts, and camera flashes going on like bazzuk¡K¡Kit was only after a while that we realized that our arrival in Canada was somehow leaked to the masses, and there was a huge fan following who had come to welcome us at the airport. There were people with bouquets of flowers, welcome cards and what not. At this particular point, I would like to take the opportunity to Thank All of those lovely people, who took time out for us to come and welcome us. And what should I say about the real concert. Goshhh it was soooo amazing. It was held at Hershey Center . The concert was OVER SOLD¡K.which means there were more people in the arena then the actual seating capacity. And the audience was so electrifying. I must say, it was one of the best concerts in our entire tour.
But I think the highest point in Canada was, when out of nowhere did Shahzad bhai appear to join us for the rest of the tour. Just because of his presence, the entire pressure which was being slightly felt by all of us, just vanished and we knew that now our team is complete.Though we still missed Shahbaz and Sheraz and had he been with us on this tour, things would have been so totally different.
Next day after the concert Shahzad bhai showed us around the whole Toronto. My team was also very happy to enjoy a party in Toronto after so many days of hectic performance schedule and they also thought that after the arrival of shahzad bhai only now they have felt that they are enjoying their vacation which was hardcore business before. Mubeen and Aly were really impressed with the cleanliness beauty of Canada and specially Gories saying that their beauty standards have been revised.

Aly purchased a new laptop and he was all so excited about it and what ever time he could find, he was always flirting with his new gadget. When Shahzad bhia arrived, he wanted to do some work, so he went to Aly and borrowed his laptop. Next morning, Aly came out of his room screaming that his laptop has been stolen, as it was nowhere to be found in his room. While Me and him were trying to figure out kay laptop kon choree ker saqtaa hia, Shahzad bhia walked into the lobby, and seeing our long faces, asked what happened. I told him that Alys laptop is missing. And very coolly shahzad bhia replied..
Yaar aik urgent email aayee thi shahbaz ki from Pakistan and the hotels business center was not working Socha Aly ki neend khrab na karoun so I got an extra key of alys room to pick up his laptop leaving a written note there which I guess aly ko nahin nazar aaya.
Aly replied to me laughing yar sukar yeh nahee hia kay laptop shahzad bhia kay pass thaa¡K..sukar yeh hia, kay I was alone in my room, warnaa pardais main shahzad bhia say kutt per janee thee¡K.¨
Us k baad shughal men shahzad bhai nay aly k new laptop k 51% rights zabardasti own ker liyay and he always use to say to aly ¡§ yaar yeh email ker dain zara mera laptop use ker k ¡§ Alys face was worth seeing at those times.
A friend of mubeen in Toronto gave us a drive to a shopping mall but he was so excited to sit with atif aslam and his band that he couldnt control his happiness n excitement and missed a lot of turns on highways and ultimately we reached the mall in double time hehehe

San Francisco June 7th, 2008 Oracle Arena
Temperature was pretty low in SF we enjoyed a barbq party by promoter there. We had the longest sound check of our tour on this show with about 3 hours of playing. Shahzad bhai as always carried on with his exploration of new cities n places left us at sound check n had a great city tour with his friends. And after such a long sound check the actual sound of the show was really bad. We didn¡¦t know what the sound engineer did to the settings. This show was a sort of a downer. Well the show went superb, but it was the arrangements that lacked professionalism.
The crowd was really a mess after the show for autographs n photographs particularly girls and we had to quit from the venue quickly. We were made sit in a car which was not having enough fuel to run and was having a reserve fuel light on and still people were following us on their cars. Luckily we managed to escape n found a fuel station after 45 kilometers ƒº
Though I must say that the high point was that we did have a chance to go shopping in SF especially at the Great Mall where we bought almost the whole shop of accessories and as the sales girl was very pretty my band members wished she might come with the package
The strange thing was that the Small size of Americans were loose to us like the XXL size of Thailand people were equal to small size of us. so enjoyed finding the right size of clothes for us.

Atlanta June 8th, 2008 Atlanta Civic Center
Aly lost his bag on atlanta airport and he called me saying ¡§yaar men sab ka saman smbhaltay smbhaltay apna guma baitha houn¡¨. Luckily he found his bag on lost n found counter at airport aur phir us ki jaan men jaan aayee werna pehlay tou us say bola bhi nahin jar aha tha.
We had a gud city tour with Mr. Paracha a decent guy who was also a promoter and was translator
To Nusrat fateh ali khans interview at CNN. Saw the CNN and Coke Headquarters in Atlanta
Had a wonderful evening in a beautiful Italian restaurant where some live musicians were playing . I was mostly the dj of the team while sitting in front seat of every car so they had to bear my choices hehehe¡K..but I think I did a good job, because I NEVER played the requests of my accompanied passengers.

Edmonton June 13th UOA (University of Alberta), Jubilee Auditorium
Edmonton was the coolest place of our tour in terms of temperature. It was about minus 4 there with windchill that night. Edmonton had great clouds n weather plus shopping was really nice there
The Jubilee auditorium was a beautiful newly constructed venue with amazing sound n lighting.
Got a great response form the crowd Alhumdolillah and every thing got completed in a decent fashion.
Meddison Hotel was so big that we were simply tired of walking in the corridors as our rooms were not close by .The hotel contained more than 100 rooms each floor.
Next night Me, Aly and Shahzad Bhai went to restaurant at 3am in the night when there was pindrop silence every where but the restaurant front desk manager got so scared, She thought we are some dacoits, and immediately pressed some security button and suddenly out of no where did Her colleague came out from the kitchen seeing in camera the situation of her They told us they are close and we came back enjoying their expressions

Vancouver June 22nd Opera house theater downtown Vancouver
The Boston show was cancelled because of the passing away of the promoters mother there, which was the only major setback in our entire tour.
Before our last show of Vancouver which was on the 22nd, we rushed back to USA as we had another upcoming tour in UK, and we had to get our visas stamped. The UK promoter, told us that he would send someone to NY to get our visas stamped. But it was a blessing in disguise, as we found the opportunity to stay in NY for a longer time. We were booked in a hotel in Downtown NY Manhattan on Lexington Avenue. This was the first time that we did some serious shopping and pretended to be a tourist. We dined out at some cool places and our center of attraction was Times Square, and the shops around it. Expensive, but worth it, specially the outlets of Boss, Gucchi, D&D and DKNY. We had to fly back to Vancouver for our last concert, but the downside till this point was, that we had not gotten our UK visa.
The Show was in Opera house Theater, and it was scheduled at 8.00 pm and if I remember correctly, till 5.00 pm the equipment and the sound people had not reached the venue. This was the last show on the tour and we felt pretty relaxed after the successful completion of North American Tour. After the show, we had Dinner at the Desi Junction restaurant downtown Vancouver and stayed at the Marriott Richmond. Where every one congratulated each other along thanks.Hum nay apnay main promoter Rocky ki aala kisum ki nakal bhi uteri the way he use to behave in hours of stress due to local promoters.
His pet dialogue was ¡§ I lost my stupid 50 Dollars ¡§ heheheh
Ofcourse the figure of 50 kept on changing

THE UNFORGETTBLE VISA TRIP
It was that when we were in Vancouver that we found out that we need to go back to NewYork and then off to Pakistan to get the visa for UK. The Good news was that we were going to UK for the shows. Imagine going back to Pakistan, and not being able to go back home, but stay in Islamabad for 8 hours, get the visa stamped and hop on the Next BA flight to UK.
The UK embassy prioritized our Visas. It was there while we were sitting in the embassy that we figured out the new song which was all about the USA immigrations and Securities that we had to pass through in the last 40 odd days. We titled the song I-Churanway¨ which was based on that I-94 Immigration form to be filled in at every airport. The song was hilarious and really depicted our position.We got our visas by 4 pm and we ate hallem¨ and rotte¨ in the embassy.Luckily found some fans in embassy staff which allowed us to order food from embassy. This hallem and rotti was the best we had had for quite a while.
Last year on Royal Alberts show we had the visas one day before the show same like this and had the flight to UK on the day of the concert like now.But God is always kind to make the things move in right direction.

The UK TOUR: 26th June- 29th June
Shahzad Bhai left us in Pakistan due to some pending issues in Lahore n sheraz and shahbaz
Joined us for UK Tour. Sheraz was as usual up to his pranks with everyone. I heard there was a pillow fight in the back of the plane, which indulged Sheraz on one side, and every one else on the other, and the aero plane crew were¡Kwell no comments. Sameer and Sarmad had already flown direct to UK from USA as they didnt need visas cause of UK being their home country.

LESTER

Landed in UK, and went straight to the sound check. The first concert was in Lester and to be honest, It was totally mismanaged There was no proper sound or lighting and everyone was tired as hell.We missed our promoters in USA who managed much better than this.

WEMBLEY AREANA LONDON
Wembley is considered as one of the best venues in Europe to perform in and it was an honor to perform there. It was my first show in London after Royal Albert Halls successful show last year.
We also felt a pressure because people had loads of expectations from us after Royal Alberts Concert.
This was the show we all were excited about, as we were performing in Wembley Arena. We did our sound check, which went well, and the show was superb. We were lucky to get extended time as one of the artists who was supposed to perform did not perform and her time slot was given to us, so we continued playing for almost 2 hours.
Alhumdolillah this show was successful as well n we enjoyed our performance.
The best thing happened at the show was the entry of SKJ
She worked in my album meri kahani in one song and than she left for UK for her family reasons
I was not having any contact with her on this tour and we decided to play the song KAPKAPI¨
On the concert I dedicated the song to her saying Miss SKJ if u r listening to this song I would say u did a fantastic job
To the biggest surprise of our whole tour when I was performing KAPKAPI song I saw the real SKJ coming out from the crowd to the stage
I was pleasantly shocked cause I was really not knowing she is in the audience
I asked security guys to let her come on stage n she made the evening more beautiful with her beautiful voice. I ll admire her confidence as she performed well controlling her excitement and after completing the song she disappeared again in the crowd.

After the show an unfortunate incident took place, when my laptop got stolen. And this time it was really stolen. The hotel was not at all accommodating in this regard, and we had to eventually contact the police and file a report which recovered the laptop in the end.

Manchester
As we had to move on to our next show the very next day in Manchester, and that too by road, we packed our stuff in the cars and were off to our 4 hours journey. The trip by road was actually really very nice, as we saw a lot of scenic beauty of UK on our way.
The show was a success too, and that being our last show of the entire North America / UK tour, it had a feeling of both pleasure and sadness. We played our hearts out for the crowd and had a phenomenal response. The sound was amazing and so was the response from the crowd.
Next day we travelled back to London, and decided to spend 4 extra days in London before heading back home. We took a hotel in Oxford Circus, which is actually Central London. This time, we shopped our hearts out and did a bit of site seeing as well. UK gave us a good relaxation time after the successful concerts ALHUMDOLILLAH and we did nonstop fun and shopping for 5 days

Friendships
We made a lot of friends on this tour, and I would like to name a few people here. First of all our international promoter Rocky with whom we had a habit of having a scuffle on a daily basis, but he was so nice, that he just listed to us and tried to do what possibly best he could.
It was an extremely tough task to manage such a huge team in a place like USA for 45 days and about 15 airports. But our promoter Rocky did a gud job.
Then there Was the great Kalish Kher. This guy has a voice which touches directly to your heart. But I think his best trait was his character. I have yet to see a more down to earth, fun loving and caring person yet. Not only Kalish Kher ji is to be mentioned here, but also his entire band. Those people rocked majorly and were really the most chilled out bunch I¡¦ve eve met. Kailash got an excellent memory .
Then there was this entire crew of dancers who were performing with kalish ji and Richa Sharma. Danny was their crew leader and with their impressive costumes and precession cerography¡¦s they delivered an awesome flawless performance throughout the tour. The best thing that I liked about these performers were, that once they were done with their acts, they would go and change, and then they would come and stand front of stage, and for the entire time when I was performing on stage, I could see those people head banging the entire concert. Gosh these people had stamina.
There was Rosouvelt and Zarina, who were handling the Lights and stage effects, and if any one of you will see the videos on UTube, u will have a slight Idea of how awesome the show went with all the ambiance and the laser lights¡K.good job Zarina and Rousavelt¡K..our friends from India. All those lasers and lighting effects were done by them, which no doubt took the shows altogether to a different level. Tehjo was our sound guy, and after the initial 2 or 3 shows, he got the feel of what we really wanted, and he delivered very professionally.

Final Words
When I reflect back on the tour, I guess I would give it an 8 out of 10. The venues selected were very nice, the response of the audience and fans was immaculate and I thank ALLAH for this blessing. The Sound in most of the concerts was at par with our requirements, though we did have our ups and downs there. We developed a lot of new friendships and we hope to maintain them and cherish them for our lifetimes.
On 4th July we took our flight back to Islamabad thus completing a very successful, enriching tour with memories unlimited. The love of the fans, audiences and our organizers will always be respected and remembered and Thanking Allah on being so kind to us for all the blessings that he has showered on everyone, and bringing us back home without any mishap. We landed at Islamabad and there was a delay in our flight to Lahore and we couldnt resist coming back to home on car leaving our flight in Islamabad hehehe

The day we left Pakistan we never had our gud sleep back
Sometimes it was jet lag Sometimes it was a tension that we have to take the next flight in time
Sometimes it was due to the thought why are we relaxing n y we don¡¦t have any further task to compelte hehehe
54 days,25 flights,18 airports, Each airport use to have about 5 security checks so 18*5 =90
We learned how to sleep at airports with our sleeping bags for even 15 minutes .American Airports are as big as a complete city particularly Atlanta. We always had a competition that whoever ll be doing the security check at the earliest ll be the winner. And after last flight we thought of writing a book named ¡§ AMERICAN AIRPORTS¡¨ heheheh
Every hotels management was sick of our noise which we use to make in lobby while jamming or doing nothing. Thanks to gud Vi Fi which kept us connected all the times at our laptops in our rooms
Food was nice at sanfrancisco Great Mall,Chandani Restaurent Atlanta ,taj Mahal Toronto, etc
Cause each one of these places offered some really gud desi food which remind us of homes atleast for that particular time. Whenever we ordered room service in hotel we selected Alys room to dine in cause his nose was sensitive at smell and than he had to clean his room all the time . Each one of us had stomach problems one after the other, Fever one after the other,Flu as well and exertion And in the end we were like we are travelling since our birth heheheh

Millions of me memories are there and a lot of them were captured in still as well as movie cameraz
You can see this beautiful photography by shahzad aslam and sheraz aslam

It has been agreed by all touring members, that they don¡¦t want to see each others faces for the next 20 years.
But still I love my team and would like to thank them in every possible way
Mubin showed up as one of the most responsible person in terms of travel management and he rocked with his drumsticks
Sameer was handling the sound check issues really brilliantly and he was totally in the mood of his own during performance and people loved his style
Sarmad was Rocking with his hairstyle and guitar
Aly took great care of me in terms of stage management and security issues as well as after the concert autograph sessions and he was pretty active particularly when the girls were there
Together Aly, Smaeer and Mubin smoked 19832187364298347629837462938746298342.... Cigarettes on the tour making the whole north America polluted than ever before.
Shahzad Bhai was handling the management and the main promoter Rocky. Also as usual he was pretty good on still and video photography.
Shahbaz Handled the UK Concerts Brilliantly and showed us loads of venues for shopping
Sheraz is always the best company and i had a great time with him n our cousins while shopping in Manchester

After recovering form our jet lags n all most of us still feel
Yaar life kuch slow nahin hay yahan??
And its still there in the conscious that
Aaj koi flight tou nahin hay?
Aaj checkout tou nahin kerna?
Aaj security registration k liyay tou nahin jana?
Aaj concert tou nahin hay ?
Mayraa I-94 kahaan hia !!!

Hehehehe........

Love u all n Eid Mubarak
Atif

Originally Posted At: Atif Aslam's Official forum www.aadeez.com

Alpha Bravo Charlie's Theme Song MP3

2008-10-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Download Alpha Bravo Charlie's Theme Song MP3

Download Alpha Bravo Charlie's Theme Song

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Kaisa Yeh Junoon - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - MP3 Song

2008-10-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

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Shafqat launches new album 'Tabeer' in India

2008-09-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, who chose the capital for the release of his debut solo album, says he is overwhelmed with the appreciation he receives from Indian audiences.

Ali, who is the voice behind chartbusters like 'Mitwa' in Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' and 'Yeh Honsla' in Nagesh Kukoonor's 'Dor', selected New Delhi to release his album 'Tabeer' which he had composed himself. "I was not expecting such a great response from the audience here.

I am really thankful to them for the kind of love and affection they showed towards me," the former lead vocalist of popular Pakistani music band 'Fuzon' told PTI after a recital in the capital recently.

About his India experience, Shafqat says, "I do not feel that I am in another country. It is like I have shifted to a new town. Everything is so similar between India and Pakistan." Ali is the son of legendary Pakistani singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and belongs to the seven-generation old 'Patiala Gharana.'

"In Tabeer, which literally means realization of a dream, I experimented with the contemporary way of music, a mix of earthy and traditional tones, to give music lovers something fresh," he says. Shafqat rubbished the notion that Indian singers are afraid of crossing the border.

PTI

Jawad Ahmad in UK to raise funds for his charity

2008-09-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Noted Pakistani pop singer Jawad Ahmad said education was key to the progress and prosperity of his country and his charity organisation was contributing in its own small way to spreading literacy among the rural children. Speaking at a news conference here last night, he spoke at length on the education problems facing Pakistan and said some 25 million children remain without access to any kind of education facilities.

“Unless we start imparting basic education to these unfortunate children and make them responsible citizens, we cannot visualize any hope of achieving progress.”

Jawad is on a five-day visit to UK to raise funds for his charity “Taaleem for All” which has established 10 non-formal schools around the rural areas of Lahore and is seeking financial support to add four more to provide poor and needy children free education.

During his stay in Britain, the popular singer will do live appeals on the ethnic TV channels on Friday and Saturday.

The singer said the ultimate objective of his charity is to establish non-formal schools in the all districts of Punjab and other provinces as well. He further said some 400 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 5 years are presently enrolled in these schools and who are being taught by trained teachers in the Government approved syllabus.

Jawad who is an engineer by profession, noted that uneducated children cannot serve the country and rather remains a burden on the society while their energies are wasted on useless pursuits and they also fall victims to extremists elements.

Speaking about the expenditure incurring on these schools, he said some US $ 10,000 was being spend on each school over a period of five years which include teachers salaries and the provision of furniture, stationery, books and other items.

Jawad also said his mission is to get these student to a level they deserve, which includes their future responsibility of further education uptil the university level.

He further said that any country’s basic long term need is to provide education to its citizens in order to overcome difficulties and challenges. About his organisation, he said it is completely independent and has no government support and that he has come to UK for his charity appeal for the first time.

Jawad announced that his new audio album comprising ten songs is being released in November this year simultaneously in Pakistan, India, Middle East and UK.

Ejaz Ansari, UK Chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was also present on the occasion.

Strings album 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai' available on iTunes worldwide - Buy now!

2008-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Strings album 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai' available on iTunes worldwide - Buy now!

To buy the album through iTunes and support Strings, click Here

Shafqat Amanat Ali - 'With Tabeer, my dream of making my own album with some soulful music comes true!'

2008-09-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

Shafqat Amanat Ali is perhaps the biggest singing sensation to hit the subcontinent. Son of the legendary Pakistani singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan of Pakistan, he belongs to the nine generation old Patiala Gharana.

Shafqat's voice represents a unique blend of classical gayaki and contemporary panache. The soul in his powerful voice has the rare ability, which can carry the listener to the peaks of ecstasy and the depths of pain within moments – the Rockstar Ustad (A term coined by Bollywood music director Salim Merchant) in conversation with Radioandmusic.com's Chirag Sutar on his new solo album 'Tabeer'

What does 'Tabeer' mean?

Tabeer means 'fulfillment of dreams', with this my dreams of making my own album with some soulful music comes true! (Laughs)

When did you start working on Tabeer?

For the album, I was approached by Music Today and they wanted the songs to have some Sufi elements in it, they heard some of my demos and liked the idea. It took around eight months for us to work on the concept; however, the recording of the album was over in two months. I recorded the album in Pakistan, Tabeer is already out here.

What genre does this album fall under?

I won't classify this album in any particular genre; it's for everybody – its soulful music with some Sufi elements.

But real Sufi music is different from that what we hear…

What we hear is not real Sufi music, if one wants to hear Sufi in its original form, they should hear it at the Mazhaars, it includes Shayaari's and use of certain instruments' like the Harmonium, Tabla, Ek- Tara and Matka – that's the real Sufi sound.

The songs in Tabeer are influenced by many yesteryear maestros'…

Well, I won ' t say they are 'influenced', as I have made some variations. The first song Khairheyan de naal is originally by Tufail Niazi – I am a great fan of his, I borrowed the line Khairheyan de naal from the song and wrote and composed the rest. Kartal naina, the second was something that I wrote, whereas Rohi is a very old Kaafi sung by famous Pakistani Sufi singer Zaahida Parveen. I made few changes in it and gave it a contemporary sound.

Talking about your previous band, what was the reason behind quitting 'Fuzon'?

I was comfortable singing with the band initially, but after I started getting offers from bollywood ('Mitwa' and others), the band started feeling insecure, and I would feel this whenever we performed. There was bad energy on stage – finally, I decided to quit.

But, listeners tend to compare the sound, have you made any changes?

There are something's that I have done purposely in this album – like the sound. I didn't want the sound to clash with the songs that I had previously sung. I have used different arrangement which gives this album a new feel.

How do you plan to promote this album?

I would be doing stage shows in metropolitan cities. Besides that we'll also have it digitally available on i-tunes.

In this album, you are the singer as well as the composer, how do you prefer to do composing?

Well, if I am at home I simply take the Harmonium and compose on it. Otherwise, if I am travelling, I record the tune on my I-Pod and work on it later.

How has the experience of working with some of the ace music directors been so far? Any upcoming movies?

Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy, Salim Merchant and Sajid Wajid are great t to work with. They are open and give the singer scope to improvise. Recently, I did playback for Hello and Zindagi Tere Naam which has the duet Trishna Trishna with Sunidhi Chauhan.

Source: radioandmusic.com

Shafqat Amanat Ali - Tabeer [2008-MP3-VBR-320Kbps]

2008-09-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Download Shafqat Amanat Ali - Tabeer [2008-MP3-VBR-320Kbps] High Quality MP3 Songs Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Album: Tabeer
Artist: Shafqat Amanat Ali
Genre: Pop
Year: 2008
Label: Fire Records(PAK)/Music Today(IND)

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TRACKLIST:
01. Tabeer - Khairheyan De Naal
02. Tabeer - Naina
03. Tabeer - Dum Ali Ali Dum
04. Tabeer - Rang Le
05. Tabeer - Bulleh Shah
06. Tabeer - Pagalpan
07. Tabeer - Rohi
08. Tabeer - Kartar (Darbari)
09. Tabeer - Manqabat (Ya Ali)

Total Duration: <00:37:53:64>

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Shafqat Amanat Ali - Khaireyan De Naal (Video)

2008-09-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

Watch & Download Exclusive Video Shafqat Amanat Ali's Khaireyan De Naal

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Ali Azmat - Gallan - (Video) Good Quality

2008-09-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

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GALLAN - by Ali Azmat

Shafqat Amanat - Caravan MP3 Song [OST Hello 2008]

2008-09-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

Album : Hello

Director : Atul Agnihotri
Producer : Atul Agnihotri
Music Director: Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant, Sajid-Wajid
Cast : Isha Koppikar, Gul Panag, Dilip Tahil, Suresh Menon, Sharat Saxena, Sohail Khan,
Lyrics : Jalees Sherwani
Released Date : September 2008

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Caravan - Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan

Pyar Ka Jaal - Aaroh (Video)

2008-09-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

Download Aaroh - Pyar Ka Jaal (Aaroh Band Video in 3GP, MP4, AVI Format)

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Maula - Khawar Jawad (Video)

2008-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Maula - Khawar Jawad (New Pak Singer latest album video in MP4, AVI, 3GP format video download)

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Ali Zafar - Those For Truth MP3 Song (2008)

2008-08-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Download Ali Zafar's Those For Truth MP3 Song (MP Exclusive)

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http://rapidshare.com/files/141385738/Ali_Zafar_-_Those_for_Truth.mp3

OST - Aansoo - Ali Azmat (2003)

2008-08-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

Download Ali Azmat's Aansoo MP3 Song (Exclusive)

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Aansoo(musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

'Bono' of Asia to rock Surrey

2008-08-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Ali Azmat, a renowned Pakistani singer, is coming to town Aug. 24 to rock Surrey on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

This multidimensional artist who has been called the ‘Bono’ of Asia and has been labelled by the New York Times as Asia’s answer to Santana, is the only Pakistani musician who has performed live at the United Nations assembly promoting the music scene of Pakistan.

He has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, and was nominated for an Emmy award in 2002, putting Pakistan on the musical map.

Azmat’s first solo album, Social Circus, has exceeded the expectations of fans and silenced critics who were sceptical of his lone venture.

Azmat will perform as part of Jashan-e-Azadi 2008, an initiative of the Pakistani Youth Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of a group of young Pakistani-Canadians who get involved in the Pakistani community.

The committee’s mandate is to preserve and promote Pakistan and its culture in British Columbia. The committee’s first initiative was organizing the Pakistani tent exhibiting Pakistani Culture and tradition at the 4th annual Canadian Islamic Cultural Expo.

Jashan-e-Azadi 2008 will also feature NAKSH, a local South Asian band, and a Cultural Show depicting the cultures and traditions of Pakistan.

The event will be held at the Bell Center for Performing Arts in Surrey starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20, $25, $30 and $50 for VIP. For more information or to obtain tickets, contact Hamza Malik at 604.723.4090 or Waseem Javed at 604.779.7513.

In The Aadat of Wanting More From Jal

2008-08-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Pakistan Band Jal (TOI Photo)

The crowds kept pouring in and the ladies couldn’t help but scream out from time to time.

It was a scenario any rockstar would have loved to be in — the love, adulation, screaming fans, the works. It was Saturday night when Pakistan Band Jal performed at Galaxy, The Park, as part of the 14th anniversary celebration of Someplace Else.

When the band took the stage, they were greeted with loud cheers and applause from the audience. They belted out one hit after the other and had the crowd sing along with them and provide perfect backing vocals. Whoever said that singers from across the Border are besura?

Farhan and Goher proved everyone wrong. Everything was perfect in their Sufi-music-influenced vocals — sur and taal. Their rock version of Mast kalandar was sung in true Sufiana andaaz while maintaining the contemporary touch to it. When the band got off stage, the crowd were on a high screaming for more.

Link: Times Of India

Ali Azmat - Klashinfolk [2008-MP3-VBR-320Kbps]

2008-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD ALI AZMAT - KLASHINFOLK [2008-MP3-VBR-320Kbps]

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01. Klashinfolk Intro
02. Gallan
03. Mera Khuda
04. Tanha Hai Kyon
05. Yeh Kya Hua
06. Naina
07. Tera Mera
08. Ley Sambhal
09. Shukriya
10. Ay Mere Saathi
11. You Are
12. Sawal

DOWNLOAD ALL THE SONGS IN ONE SINGLE LINK
http://rapidshare.com/files/139286015/Klashinfolk_-_Ali_Azmat__2008-CBR-320Kbps__musikpakistan.blogspot.com_.rar

PASS:
musikpakistan.blogspot.com

Download Coke Studio - Episode 4

2008-08-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Experience the fourth episode of Coke Studio with All Artists.

Artists: All Artists
Drums: Gumby
Lead Guitar: Omran Shafique
Bass Guitar: Mannu
DJ, Keyboard: Zeeshan Parwez
Backing Vocals: Saba and Selina
Percussionist: Shezi
Dholak: Babar Khanna
Balochi Percussions: The Abdul Latif Band
Producer: Rohail Hyatt

Videos and Audios

Percussion Jam

Various

Dildara

Rahat Fateh Ali

Mein Challa

Ali Azmat

Garaj Baras

Ali Azmat & Rahat Fateh Ali

Dhaani

Strings & Ustaad Gullo

Sarkye

Strings

Flute Jam

Rahat Ali

Allah Hu

Ali Zafar & Tufail Ahmed

Noori & Jal thrill audience

2008-08-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

Electrifying performances by rock band ‘Noori’ and ‘Jal’ overpowered the ecstatic crowd and created a musical euphoria at the rock concert ‘Rockball 08’ organised by JB & Jaws with Wateen on Saturday night at PNCA Auditorium.

Just like a wake up call or a war siren, the rock stars took the audience by storm and rocked the night away. The jam-packed audience went in to a frenzied state as both popular bands took them by a musical storm and played on their hot and hit numbers one after another enthused with vibrant and energetic performances.

After a couple of numbers by local vocalists to warm up the night, Noori’s Ali Noor and Ali Hamza took the stage buzzing with energy and received astounding reception from the audience. With a superb balance of traditional Punjabi lyrics with rock and some highly Western numbers, the intensity of their movements and expression of complete involvement with the music was indeed electrifying. Noori opened their session with the most nostalgic and thought-provoking number, which is a big hit ‘Merey Log’ and then continued with their other hot hits from ‘Manwa re’ to ‘dil ki Qasam’ and ‘Suno ke mai hoon jawan’. Noori’s performance can be termed as one of the most energetic and entertaining live acts to have hit the Pakistani music scene. ‘Noori’ is one of the pioneering rock bands of Pakistan known for its hard-hitting impact in a multitude of interactive experiences. With highly energetic music and lyrics that every youngster can relate with, Noori has become a phenomenon, which has really picked up in the Pakistani music. With 2 albums out so far, ‘Suno Ke Mein Hun Jawan’ in 2003 and ‘Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jaani Ki Gol Dunya’ in 2005, along with 10 videos aired, more than half of which have been made by the band itself, Noori is definitely a creative name, which is respected in the Pakistani music industry and loved by thousands worldwide.

Jal came next, playing along the lines of Latin-Acoustic Guitars with main emphasis on melodies and the lyrical contents. Jal has become ever popular in their efforts fuelled by the desire to freshen up the pop/rock genre in Pakistan that also gave their music a very high degree of accessibility both in terms of composition and lyrics. Gohar Mumtaz and Farhan Saeed rocked the night away with their hot hits along with their teammates Shazi, Salim, Saad, Hasnain and Mac with his management support. From ‘Dil Harey’ to ‘Teri Yad’, the band rocked away the audience.

'Laga Reh' gives Pakistani pop a much needed rebel yell

2008-08-17T02:47:00.000-07:00

Shehzad Roy's album Qismat Apne Haat Mein is even better
Shehzad Roy outdoes himself with his new effort and breaks new conceptual ground in Pakistani pop
By Muniba Kamal

The video grabbed the attention of the nation as soon as it hit the airwaves. And within a week of its release, 'Laga Reh' was playing and replaying at an ad nauseum rate, except we never got nauseated… it remains a song that speaks for all of us.

After countless viewings, I still find myself laughing at it. The bunglings of the government in the newspaper makes the giggles gurgle up twofold. At a time when things are being painted as badly as they are in the press, the cat and mouse game between the political parties and the ex-General with both playing Tom and Jerry alternately, our PM's visits abroad and the hysteria they generated here at home, American transgression on our soil, various Rehman Malik fiascos, lawyers on a rampage, the perpetual breaking news situations on all or news channels that are bordering on the ridiculous now because the crises have gone on so damn long that they seem to have become a bad joke.

In the 'Laga Reh' video, Shehzad Roy takes this bad joke and turns it into a great video, internalizing the experience so we all identify with it.

“Main jab dus saal ka tha tou mein ne nine o'clock news pe suna ke Pakistan tareekh kay aik nazuk mor se guzar raha hai.” (When I was ten so I heard on the nine o'clock that Pakistan is at the crossroads of history). And then after one guitar riff, when he turns twenty, he hears the same on the 9 o'clock news. It's been the story of our lives and Ahsan Rahim's video is the perfect vehicle to carry the most topical song a Pakistani pop artist has ever come out with. With cameo appearances by Ali Azmat as the common man, Mani as a broadcast journalist talking about how the situation is under control at a riot gets hit with a stone to the back of the head and most unforgettably Faisal Qureshi, a dehati on a charpoy who witnesses Shehzad being dragged off by foreign troops and goes right back to sleep, ‘Laga Reh’ is a song that weaves together skits to come up with the most gloriously pertinent one liners.

“Mujhe fikar yeh nahin key eh mulk kaise chale ga, mujhe firk yeh hai ke aisay he na chalta rahe.” (I'm not worried about how this country will run, I am only worried that it will carry on running like this)
The song incorporates hilarious dialogue between Shezad and a buzurg (elderly gentleman):
Shehzad: “Mulk mein kitni tension ho gayi hai” (Look at the tension in the country)
Buzurg: “Kuch nahin kuch nahin, sab Allah par chhor do” (It's nothing, just leave it to God)
Shehzad: “Kuch na kar kuch na kar too sab kuch allah par chhod do… Allah hi tera hafiz hai” (Don't do anything at all, leave it all to God and then only God will be your saviour)
It's edgy stuff and incredibly relevant. This is the way previous generations have thought; indeed, the lines Shehzad Roy has penned are something said to us by some buzurg at some point in time or another. A whole new generation that has grown up with that attitude does want to go out there and change the status quo. It is this generation that Roy is choosing to identify with.

And the video ends with perhaps one of the most classic lines one has ever heard.
A punter to a politician: “Sir, lagta hai qaum ko jaganay ka waqt aa gaya hai.” (Sir, I think it is time to wake up the nation)
Politician: Qaum ko mat jagao, yeh kisi zaroori kaam se so rahe hain! (Don't wake up the nation, they're sleeping because of some important work)
‘Laga Reh’ is indeed the funniest take on life in Pakistan today and has people of all ages rolling with laughter and has made Shehzad Roy a superstar. People who didn't think much of him before, now agree he is an icon. How much difference the right idea at the right time can make to a career! And having the right connections and good synergy with them go a long way in helping one execute what one wants to.
‘Laga Reh’ is probably director Ahsan Rahim's finest video and it looks very much like a collaborative affort. Ahsan and Shehzad go back a long way. As do Ahsan, Faisal Qureshi and Mani having worked on Ulta Seedha together. With perhaps the most cinematic eye in the industry, Ahsan outdoes all his previous work with the video and the way the visuals sync with the song makes one think they were conceived together. The song and the video speak of major brainstorming and some very creative minds working together. That Shehzad Roy has built bridges between all these talents is commendable. It shows a man capable of recognizing talent in the industry and bringing them all together to create a video that truly exploded into our consciousness.

And the biggest surprise is that when you give the album a listen, you realize that 'Laga Reh' is not even the best song on it!
Qismat Apne Haat Mein
‘Laga Reh’ is the second best song, but it employs a clever technique that Shehzad uses to devastating affect in the title track of his album, which is characters speaking out and leading in to his music. The best song by far is 'Qismat Apne Haat Mein' itself.

It begins with the extremely affected accent of a London returned Pakistani girl who says: “Mein mulk se bahar parhne jaana chahti hoon, taa ke wapas aake gharib logon ki, you know jo gharib hote hain?, you know jo thore se woh hote hain, you know gharib se? You know what I mean? Unn ki madad karna chahti hoon.” (I want to go abroad so I can come back and help poor people, you know people who are like, you know, poor? You know what I mean? I want to help them)
Shehzad Roy: Cough Cough…
London returned girl: What happened?

Shehzad Roy: I'm allergic to bullshit.
And then the guitar riffs start and leads into a rollicking number laden with clever innuendos.
Zulm na kar too varna chhor dein ge yeh galiyan
Chand logon ne qaum ki lay lee hai (meaningful pause)
Qismat apnay haath mein.
(Do be cruel or we will leave these streets. A few people have taken the fortune of Pakistan in their hand)
Unfortunately the clever innuendo that makes one laugh out loud gets totally lost in the English translation.

‘Qismat Apne Haat Mein’ is a gem of a number, calling on the youth to wake up and smell the coffee and realize what is happening around them. That said, the album is not ground breaking musically, which is one criticism seasoned musicians have set forth. But one must say to them that the album breaks new ground in terms of the thought that has gone into it. It shows a singer chronicling what is happening in this day and age through song, oodles of angst and a biting wit. The music is simple, all catchy rhythm and very awami, which is the way Shehzad has always done it; however, songs like 'Laga Reh' and 'Qismat Apne Haat Mein' stand out for their audacity. And audacity is exactly what the Pakistani pop music has been missing for a very long time, ever since Junoon's 'Ehtesaab' was banned... and 'Ehtesaab' was nowhere close to the anthems Shehzad Roy has come out with.

Songs for the young
There is the excellent 'Khul Ke Pyaar Hum Nahin Kar Sakte' (We cannot love freely) which goes on: Khul Ke Jhoom Bhi Nahi Hum Sakte
Saara saara din in hi sochon mein gum
Kya ho plan raat ka jis mein ho jaein gum
(We cannot dance openly either
All day we are lost in the thought
Of cooking up an evening plan in which to get lost)
And then Shehzad Roy introduces the father by singing “Raat hotay hi eik paigham aata hai” (And when it's night a message arrives)
Father: Beta, barah baj gaye hain, ghar wapas aa jao (Son, it's 12 o'clock, come home NOW!)
This is the story of so many Pakistani teenaged lives and this is precisely the stuff pop anthems are made of. And these anthems would not have happened had Shehzad not decided to write them himself. The lyrical simplicity is what grabs you. Shehzad has taken his own dilemmas growing up, drawing room conversations, prevailing social attitudes and spun songs around them in a way no one has before, with the possible exception of Abrar, who does the same brilliantly in Punjabi. However, his songs are more social commentary. Shehzad Roy's album has both the social and political edge

There is also touch of idealism with the excellent 'Quaid e Azam', the most unlikely tribute to the father of the nation. It begins with a child doubting his future because he's been naughty and his grandmother has scolded him saying he will amount to nothing. And it is this child that Shehzad sings to.

Quaid e Azam jab chhote the, woh bhi nani se shrasrat karte hon ge
Lekin kehte honge: “Mein ek din kuch banoon ga, nanoon ji aap bhi yaad karein ge”
(When the Quaid was a little boy, he probably played pranks on his grandma too. But he must have said: “I will be something one day, someone so big Grandma that you will remember me.”)
It's a song that forces us to think back to childhood, and ponder on what Jinnah's would have been. And when you look at the song in context of the man that really was (if you read Stanley Wolpert's Jinnah) and compare it to what he has been twisted into by our own skewed perspective of history, Shehzad's imaginings on his childhood make one say “Good on you Shehzad!”

The other numbers
The other lovely number is 'Zindagi' that was released as a video last year with Abida Parveen. Abida's voice and the guitar make more a memorable song. And then there are the ballads out of which 'Aankhein' remains the most effective because of the edge. “Sapna mera aankhon se kuch aise gira, saath hi mujh ko bhi le gira”. That it follows the angsty 'Laga Reh' on the album makes the song even more poignant.
'Ek Baar', 'Janay Kahan' and 'Darwaza' are sweet enough melodically, but they aren't a patch on Atif's 'Pehli Nazar' which to date is remains the catchiest pop ballad of the year. Neither do they have the musical sophistication of Strings' 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai' and 'Humsafar'. Shehzad seems to have found his niche on this album, which is edgy pop and that is something that hasn't been done before. With Qismat Apnay Haat Mein, Shehzad Roy has moved on from being a pop poster boy to pop renegade and that is a gigantic leap.

The new Shehzad Roy

Minus the ineffective ballads, Qismat Apnay Haat Mein is nothing short of a pop revolution. We have seen the bubblegum disco beats Nazia and Zoheb, and the patriotism and introspection of the Vital Signs. There has been Hadiqa with her heavily Punjabi influenced pop that made her a star and one has seen the joyful tongue-in-cheek verve of Ali Zafar’s Huqa Paani and the meteoric rise of Atif Aslam who came out with the rather banal Meri Kahani this year. Shehzad himself was first the 'Teri Soorat' boy and then (a tad more impressively) the 'Saali' guy… but let's face it, while 'Saali' may have caused some strong reactions and was a catchy enough song, it was innocuous and silly. 'Laga Reh' has become a rebel yell for our times and if Shahzad's next video is 'Qismat Apnay Haath Mein', then he will solidify that reputation and go down a pop hero.

It's about time Pakistan had a pop renegade. Shehzad's edgier songs and the unmissable 'Laga Reh' phenomenon make him Pakistan's equivalent of the Pet Shop Boys in London of the '80s. While Duran Duran capitalized the market on sexy glamour and Wham were out doing fun songs like 'Wake Me Up', Pet Shop Boys had the edge with songs like 'It's a Sin' and 'Surburbia' that reflected their life and the times they lived in. Most of all these songs reflected a generation gap.

And for those of us, growing up as teenagers in Karachi, the lyrics of 'It's a Sin' resonated as we heard the song on TDK tapes bought from Graffiti in 1987 soon after it was released in England.
At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin
The Pet Shop Boys may not have made it as big as Wham and Madonna would, but they had an impact. And all these years later, they remain a personal favourite from that era.

They made us think even as they made us dance and sing along with them. That is what Shehzad Roy has achieved the same in the Urdu slang idiom with ‘Laga Reh’, ‘Qismat Apnay Haat Mein’ and ‘Khul Kay Pyar’. And that is historical for Pakistani pop.

The corporate question mark
Apart from breaking new ground in terms of giving Pakistani pop socially relevant anthems, the

other thing that sets Shehzad Roy's Qismat Apne Haat Mein apart is the fact that it is the only album to come out this year without a corporate sponsorship. This is shocking considering that he is tried and tested and in a day and age that even Zeb and Haniya with their eclectic blend of jazz, blues and Urdu find a corporate sponsor, the fact that Shehzad Roy didn't makes one circumspect about the role of corporations in our music scene.

Our pop industry has become heavily dependent on corporate giants to fund the music scene. In the absence of ticketed events, corporations organize concerts. In the absence of record labels they started sponsoring artists and they carry on doing so to this day, be it in terms of videos or albums. The problem with corporations is that they play it safe, whereas art is all about taking risks. Will getting that corporate sponsor keep musicians from coming out with social commentary and politically loaded songs? Will corporations discourage our artists from pushing the envelope?

Shehzad couldn't find a sponsor for his album. He told Instep no corporation was willing to touch it with a barge pole. He went to Fire Records and Geo and they agreed to do it, which is probably why, the ‘Laga Reh’ video is subtly branded with the organization's emblems. It is important though that there is an alternative to the corporate giants of the consumer good world. Media organizations are willing to push the envelope in Pakistan and artists should say what they have to say knowing that someone will back them.
Here's hoping that the refreshing direction of Qismat Apnay Haat Mein sets the winds of change blowing in Pakistani pop just as the Pet Shop Boys boys did with British pop in the 80s. There is no reason why pop shouldn't start ideas churning in your head even as its beat sets your feet tapping. In fact, it is a winning combination and ‘Laga Reh's success proves that Pakistan is more than ready for it.

SOURCE: The News - Instep

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 11th death anniversary observed

2008-08-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

The 11^th death anniversary of world’s most outstanding vocalists the great Sufi qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was observed Sturday. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Pakistani singer who had worked with such Western musicians as Eddie Vedder, Peter Gabriel and progressive guitarist and producer Michael Brook, died at age 48, a private TV channel (Geo News) reported.

Born into a family with a centuries-long tradition of qawwali singing, Khan began recording in the early ‘70s after ignoring his father’s wishes that he pursue medicine.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and was considered as one of the greatest Qawwals in the world.

Khan was a master of qawwali singing, which combines lyrics from Sufi religious poems with hypnotic rhythms and vocal chants.

He never performed in English he sang in Urdu, Punjabi and Farsi Khan also captivated many Westerners, including such musicians as Vedder, Joan Osborne and the late Jeff Buckley, as well as Hollywood types like Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.

Khan had made a great impression on the music scene with his mix of Eastern poetic music with that of the West.

After travelling to London for treatment for liver and kidney problems, Khan was rushed from the airport to Cromwell Hospital, where he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Khan departed from this sphere on the 16^th of August 1997, and will be missed immensely by his fans all across the globe.

Junaid Jamshed's upcoming album to inspire the youth & the nation

2008-08-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

Junaid Jamshed to make a difference with his next offering… and he’s not doing naats this time!

Instep caught up with the yester years wonder boy and one of our biggest heart throbs of the 80s, Junaid Jamshed to see what he is currently working on and exactly what he has planned out for August 14.

Junaid will be coming back with a bang with a new album in the coming year, which according to him, is on the lines of his previous album, Jalwa e Janan. The only difference is that is not a compilation of naats, but actual experiences in life that inspire him which he has woven together in a lyrical form to inspire the youth and the nation.

“I spend most of my time on Allah’s path. In my upcoming album, which will be released sometime next year, I have put in the little knowledge that I have to improve people’s lives. Everyone has worries in life that they want addressed. I have tried to address those problems and in the process I have learnt a lot and have tried to mend my own self. If I can help inspire anyone with my work, it an achievement for me. That is my objective,” he speaks about his new path in life and it is interesting that he doesn’t really place stock in doing something special on August 14.

“I’m not doing anything particular on Independence Day. I try and do something interesting all year round. Ramzan is coming up and on the business side we are trying to come up with good designs. Shalwar kameez should be trendy so people look good and want to wear them, which is what we concentrate on. We always try and play with different colours and that you see all year round. Its not something were doing specially for August 14. Pakistani people have their own distant tastes and styles and our designers are working on those lines all year round.”

Junaid Jamshed can convert all he wants and have many more careers, but for the people of Pakistan, he is one icon who is never going out of style.

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan30, 1899

Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Saqib Malik messages on Independence Day

2008-08-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

Atif Aslam (Musician)

“On August 14 everyone will say ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ but I will say ‘Fight For Pakistan, Survive for Pakistan and Live for Pakistan!’

Our country has a lot of problems these days and we should try and make things better in whatever way we can. We should get out on the roads and help clean up our beautiful country. It is about time issues like these be addressed. Everyone is too busy thinking and pondering over the political situation in the country, in which they have no say or power. They should concentrate on the things and areas where they can possibly make a difference. Somethings are in our control, such as not polluting our cities. These are the kind of things we can do something about and we should.

I would tell the average person in Pakistan to get over politics since we cannot do anything about it and concentrate on something we have some control over. On August 14 we should all contribute to the betterment of our society in whatever little way we can and we should begin from home. Anything that can make your neighbourhood or your street a better place. If we all do our little bit individually, it will make a big difference and definitely make Pakistan a better place.

I will drive around on August 14 since I love seeing so many people with Pakistani jhandas.I want to go out and see what people are upto and be a part of the excitement and happiness!”

Saquib Malik (Director)

“I think good times are on their way towards our country. So, gear up for some good time ahead and I am sure it’s going to be a fun ride. We have had our share of bad days and we will soon have a new tomorrow.

People talk about doing a lot of things on the 14th of August; they put up flags, sing national songs but as soon as the day is over, the flag suffers its fate on the roads. The best thing is to put up a flag but learn to respect it too. It is of great importance to us and we should never forget that. However, the most important thing is to pray for peace in our country because we are in dire need of it.

I don’t have any special plans for the day. I might just sleep half of the day and spend the other half watching television. But along with that, I will hope things in our country get better with time.”

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (Musician)

“This is my country,my nation and these are all my brothers and sisters. I want us all to come together to make our beloved Pakistan a better place to live in. Abhi waqt bohat nazuk ja raha hay aur humay chahiyay keh hum politics ko zara sa side par karein aur ye sochain keh hum apnay mulk ki image kaisay behtar kar saktay hain. We need to concentrate on our international image because that is very important and pivitol for a country’s progress.

Hum sub ko chaiyaya keh hum apna apna role zimewari say ada karein. If politicians concentrate on their job and do it well and we all play our parts responsibly, Pakistan will hopefully get on the right track. We all need to unite in this effort and also act as responsible citizens on an individual level. We all have to support each other and work together for a better Pakistan. Mein tou yehi kahoonga keh hum sub mil jul kar apna gham bantain aur dua karein apnay mulk ki behteri kay liye.

We have sacrificed so much to get this homeland and we should learn to appreciate this Azadi and this country.

This August 14 I am going to be working on my upcoming album and will be praying that next year on August 14 we have a lot to celebrate and be proud of!”

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

A chat with Pakistani singer-composer Ahmed Jahanzeb

2008-08-13T01:34:00.000-07:00

Noteworthy tunes Ahmed Jahanzeb

Ahmed Jahanzeb is yet another pop singer from across the border wanting to make an impression in India. AJ, as he is often called, is different though. Armed with a very distinct style, soft and captivating, the singer-composer, whether he is performing live or crooning from the cool confines of a studio, leaves a mark with a voice that stands out in times when melody has become a rarity.

The latest example of this is the sound track of the recent Pakistani film released in India, Khuda Ke Liye. Jahanzeb not only crooned some of the numbers for it, he also gave music to the critically-acclaimed film. AJ gives credit to his training in classical music for this. “I am lucky to have classical music ingrained in my system from an early age. Can you speak any language well without having proper knowledge of its grammar? To understand the commas, pauses and full-stops of music you have to have classical training,” he maintains. That it reflects in his work shows in the impressive list of his hits — Ek Baar Kaho Tum Meri Ho, Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi, Mujhe Pyaar Chaahiye, Tu Jo Nahi, Sheeshay Ke Mahal and Kaho Ek Din, which happens to be his personal favourite.

For AJ, also called the Wonder Boy in his home country Pakistan because he first appeared in a TV show at five and cut his first album at nine, sound grooming has been the essence of his musical journey.

“It helped me a lot because it made me a confident artiste. A lot of singers begin their journey with fanfare but fail to reach their destination. I always wanted to reach out to my audience,” he quips.

AJ’s early initiation meant that he matured fast, developed a style that enchanted the youngsters in Pakistan, and importantly, drove the fear of public appearance from his mind. “I never had mike fear or stage fright. I take pride in my grooming and I must say I am lucky to have met the right people in my formative years as a singer.” No wonder the 30-year-old from Karachi admits to be in love with the reality shows.

In India recently to launch his album by Tips Laut Aao, AJ hoped his effort would be well received. “It is a team effort. I have worked very hard. I thank all my colleagues for giving me this opportunity. Sameer has written some great numbers and Sachin Gupta’s compositions are soul-stirring. I’ve given my best and I hope the audience likes it,” says AJ, who describes remixes as essentially a result that comes when your creativity is “nil.”

Faisal Kapadia takes the Olympic spirit to school

2008-08-11T13:05:00.001-07:00

Faisal Kapadia takes the Olympic spirit to school!

The Olympic ceremony may have officially opened in Beijing but for children of a highly prestigious school in Karachi, the torch had come back for them via none other than Strings vocalist and official torch-bearer Faisal Kapadia.

It was just another day as they were all gathered in the assembly area for their morning prayers until they noticed Faisal step up and take over. This is the first time the Olympic torch visited Pakistan and Strings were the proud participants of the Olympic relay. “I was asked to share the torch with the kids and it turned out so well.”

Morning routine soon became all excitement as the kids got to be part of the Olympic spirit. It was like a small Olympics relay at their school because they made the kids hold the torch and run with it passing it onto the next person standing in line. “The kids enjoyed it so much because they actually got to hold the real torch in their hands. Though, they were not really aware of the importance of it but they knew it was BIG to have it in our country.”

Faisal was very excited to share it with the children because the kids should have the opportunity to experience it too… now they have a chance to do so. “When we were kids, we never had the chance of getting a glimpse of it… forget holding it. And, now when we can… so why not share it with the younger lot,” shared Faisal.

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Firdaus Jamal turns singer

2008-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: Actor Firdaus Jamal has turned into a singer by completing his first music album, ready to be released. He has written the lyrics for the album himself while the album includes Pashto tracks.

The composition of the music album had been prepared by Bobby Wazir.

Young Voices of PAKISTAN

2008-08-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

Music lifts our spirits and has always been an integral part of our celebrations on Independence Day. From “Jeevay Pakistan” to “Dil, Dil Pakistan”, when we hear those tunes, our hearts fill with patriotic pride and nostalgia. Music has the ability to tug at our heart strings and so it is no surprise that our musicians are adulated the way they are. We take a look at four stars who are not only savvy at making music but also at making the most out of music…

Shehzad Roy

Shehzad Roy debuted on the Pakistani music scene in 1995 and what a debut it was! The young singer garnered an instant fan following with the teenyboppers and soon his songs were to be heard everywhere. Shahzad continues to be an innovative musician, writing lyrics that are fun but relevant to the times we live in. This is why his album, Buri Baat Hai, released in 2005, still sounds fresh with its tongue-in-cheek songs and entertaining videos, and his latest album, Qismat Apnay Haat Mein is flying off the shelves after an unusual launch at the Juvenile Jail in Karachi and a controversial video of the song ‘Laga Reh’.
In a sense, Shahzad can be credited with initiating the first high-profile international exchanges. He has sung with Sukhbir and Shan as well as having worked with Bryan Adams. In fact, Shahzad is responsible for bringing Bryan to Pakistan as part of a charity concert a few years ago.
But more than music, it is Shahzad's dedication to his NGO, the Zindagi Trust, which is commendable. The trust now has 25 schools across the country and it uses an innovative method to entice children, who would otherwise be on the street, to attend school - the children receive a small monetary amount for each day of attendance. Shahzad was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in 2004, for his efforts to help the underprivileged children of Pakistan and the Sitara-e-Eisaar in recognition of his trust's work in the earthquake affected areas.
With his boyish good looks, his witty songs and his worthy cause, Shahzad Roy truly embodies the spirit of young and independent Pakistan, striving to make a difference.

Atif Aslam

It is, by now, a well-known story of how Atif Aslam became a singer - while singing for some friends at the college canteen, he was persuaded to participate in a singing competition on Independence Day celebrations. He performed, won and blew everyone away by the sheer magnitude of his voice.
In 2004, Atif released his first album Jal Pari, which became a hit thanks to the much-disputed yet highly-acclaimed hits, Aadat, Woh Lamhey, and Dil Harey. Then followed Doorie, a very filmi album by the standards of Atif Aslam fans, which still managed to produce 3, if not 4, super hit songs. Atif’s latest album, Hungaami Halat was released early this year and although it has done well, it has not produced hits anywhere near the cult status achieved by Aadat, Doorie and the like from previous albums.
Atif has lent his voice to many songs for Bollywood films and this has increased his international fan-following by multitudes. This year, Atif received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his services in the field of music.

Ali Zafar

Aptly titled the Prince of Pop, Ali is perhaps the most versatile young artiste around. Musician, actor, painter and model, it is no surprise that he won the Youth Icon Award at the Lux Style Awards in 2007. His 2003 debut, Huqa Pani, won him an award for Best Album at the 2004 LSAs.
Ali's voice has often been compared to that of the legendary Kishore Kumar's and that suave voice may be the secret behind his tremendous success... that, and the fact that he is extremely good-looking - he was rated as one of the 10 sexiest men in Asia by British magazine, Eastern Eye! Ali proved just how good a musician he was recently in a live performance - he held his own against trained classical singers as well as musicians belonging to other genres.
Although it has been almost two years since his last album, Masty, was released, Ali remains in the media eye thanks to his many endorsements.

Hadiqa Kiyani

Undoubtedly, the best female pop singer in the country, Hadiqa started her career as a VJ for one of the first music chart shows in the fledgling entertainment industry. After her debut with Raaz in 1995, Hadiqa went on to release many more albums - most of them going multi-platinum.
Always willing to experiment, whether it was with her music or her looks, Hadiqa continued to evolve and change with each album. A fresh look with each new video kept her in the news. Her long coats paired with trousers became her signature in the 90s.
Hadiqa is one of the few artistes who has not only collaborated with many other local musicians but has also performed internationally at concerts featuring international stars such as Lionel Richie, Wet Wet Wet, Lisa Stansfield and the Brand New Heavies.
In 2006, Hadiqa was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for her services in the field of music. While Hadiqa has not been very musically active this year, her collaboration with various artistes in the widely aired track “Yeh Hum Naheen” keeps her on our TV screens.

Shehzad’s Qismat Apnay Haat Mein -another first!

2008-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Celebrities are like twinkling stars when looked at the sky. But there is a difference. Some stars are very prominent and can be seen every night. Others glimmer here and there.
Similarly, just a few days back one such shining star launched his album. Launching videos and albums have become a norm. The planning, too, is stereotype. Book a local hotel or an atrium and bang! Your album is launched. Shehzad Roy, one of the most serious minded musicians came up with a unique and offbeat idea that depicts patriotism. He didn’t go around inviting the top notchers - the who’s who of the city. He went and launched his ‘Qismat Apnay Haat Mein’ at the juvenile jail arranged and released by AAG the youth channel of GEO TV. Accompanying him was the comic duo, Azfar and Mani and last but not the least – the person who brings a smile to your face the minute you meet him - Faisal Qureshi.

The space was limited but the effort was great making it a memorable event for not just the juvenile detainees but also the press and few invited guests. For some time now, Shehzad has been wanting to revive the school at the juvenile detention but so far he has not been able to attain what he desired. “Hopefully, it will happen. I hope they make the situation better for children in the juvenile section. I really appreciate the co operation of the IG Prisons and the DIG that they agreed to launch my album here,” added Shehzad in a quick chat session with MAG. “In due course, it may happen. I mean the re establishment of the school.” This is the first time that something of this nature, in a detention centre or jail, has ever been presented.
It was a well-organised event. The launch of Shehzad’s latest offering was well received by everyone. The spirit of sharing was communicable among the people present. There was also a slapstick performance by the favourites of youth - Azfar and Mani. But the show stealer, however, was the video, screened within the environs. ‘Laga Rae’ was the video which had everyone, either tapping their foot or rhythmically moving their heads to the thumping analogue beat.
Later, hi-tea was served and enjoyed by everyone. Something that caught my eye and touched my heart was that while the hi-tea items were quite a few, they were not only devoured by the guests but were also distributed amongst the inmates - children in the juvenile detention. It was exemplary. Way to go, Shehzad, Geo and AAG! Laga Rae…

YBDA Young Blood Donors' Association

2008-08-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

We have started an organization by the name of YBDA i.e.Young Blood Donors Association.....
Our aim is to create an awareness about blood donation.

We say that

"Donate your blood to save lives and make a difference!!!".

Even the educated do not know of their moral obligation to donate blood and are much less aware of the fact that donating blood helps rejuvenate the body’s blood production mechanism,which has many hidden benefits.

Unfortunately, there is a serious lack of volunteers to donate blood and 30 percent of professional blood donors are HBV,HCV or HIV positive.Unscreened or improperly screened blood is the main factor involved in person-to-person transmission of lethal viruses.Volunteer blood is safe,helps improve donor lives and gives time to blood banks to keep an inventory of blood,plasma and platelets, which allows hundreds of bags of blood to be made available for use in emergencies.

Blood is very important in many medical situations such as serious accidents, organ transplants,major surgery and supporting patients with blood-related disease like haemophilia and thalassaemia.

Most hospitals and medical centres are always having a shortage of blood due to a lack of donors which often results in delayed surgeries and treatment, which can lead to complications and even death in patients.

Just as you would want aid from other in times of emergency, it is important that we help to save the lives of others as well.

Our Organizations' 1st Blood Donation Drive will be held on Tuesday,26th of August 2008 at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre Blood Bank...Timings:10am onwards....

Your donations will be stored & given to the patients during the holy month of Ramadan..!!!

We kindly request you all to come and donate your blood to save lives and make a difference because you people reallllly can!!!!!

Thanks
Faizan Javed

Ali Haider sings new patriotic song ‘Jeeyay Mera Pakistan’

2008-08-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ali Haider sings ‘Jeeyay Mera Pakistan’

While some of our musicians joined hands to sing Pakistan’s National Anthem recently, some are still relying on their individual songs this Independence Day. Ali Haider is one such singer who is releasing a patriotic song called ‘Jeeyay Mera Pakistan’. He has even altered his name by adding Mohammad before Ali. Our sources reveal that he plans to launch all his spiritual and patriotic projects under this name. For the rest, he is simply Ali Haider.

Coming back towards the song, this is being shot in different cities of the country at their important locations say, Faisal Mosque, Islamabad; Badshahi Masjid, Lahore; Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi and in the northern areas. Sounds like a five minute tour guide of Pakistan. The video is being directed by Nadeem Kazmi who has previously directed Shehzad Roy’s ‘Khudi Ka Sir-e-Niha’.

The melody of ‘Jeeyay Mera Pakistan’ is by M. Arshad and he has used a number of classical instruments such as tabla, nal and sarodh. It has an overall mellow feel attached to it. This is not the first time Ali Haider has come up with a patriotic song but let’s see how much he has improved over the years. Plus, we still have to figure out if changing his name really helps him!

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Pakistani audience is not in state of enjoying my music: Ahmed Jahanzeb

2008-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

From the Pakistani land of Sufi singers, we have yet another talented singer knocking at the doors of Indian film industry. With his album Laut Aao, Ahmed Jehanzeb is making his entry into the Indian music world. Dreaming of creating better music, this young singer is all set to kiss success through his seer hard work and dedication. Sabir Rahman has shared some melodious moment with this talented singer and composer.

Q. What is special about your new album Laut Aao?
A. You will get the different shades of vocals, music and everything according to the taste of today’s trend. Many singers in Bollywood bear the influence of the legends in their voice. But I have a different tonal quality and it does not match with anyone. The album is also blessed with powerful lyrics. It is melodious and soothing to the ears.

Q. Is it a romantic album?
A. Yes, I would call it a romantic album.

Q. While working on the album, which audience did you have in your mind, Indian or Pakistani?
A. I only had Indian audience in my mind because Pakistani audience have not reached that state now and have gone towards more serious kind of things. The style of music across the border is very different from that of Bollywood.

Q. How did music happen to you?
A. During my time music was not given so much encouragement but my father was always fond of music. Ever since I was born I had all the music instruments in front of me. I was always attracted towards music and wanted to learn and play all the instruments. I loved the harmonium and one day my Abba asked me if I liked harmonium or not and when I said yes, he gifted me a keyboard on my fourth birthday. He made me rehearse with him and he never forced me to learn music. I started my journey at the age of four and at nine I released my first album named Ahmed Jehanzeb – The Wonder Boy.

Q. What kind of songs did the album have?
A. It contained national based songs (Kaumi songs). These kinds of songs were more in trend; individual singing was not in trend at that time. My Abba made me familiar with the stage from the very tender age of mine, so that I don’t get nervous or hesitate in facing audience while performing.

Q. At what age did you start your journey of stage shows?
A. I started my journey at the age of eleven or twelve. I used to experiment singing different kinds of songs then.

Q. What kind of songs did you sing?
A. I used to sing ghazals as well as the hit songs of that time like “Papa Kehte Hai…” and all other Bollywood hit numbers.

Q. When did you release your second album?
A. My second album got released in 2001 with the name Parastish, which came after a gap of 15 years from my first album. In the meantime I was doing stage shows all over the world.

Q. What kind of songs did it contain?
A. It had compilation of solid classical numbers. It was a big hit and gave me a lot of fame.

Q. How did coming to India happen?
A. There was a song of mine in my second album Parastish which became famous through internet. Then one day Sanjay Dutt called me when he had organized a Tsunami relief fund show and he wanted me to participate there. Two singers came at that time from Pakistan, one was Strings and the other was me and the other celebs for the show were film stars from Pakistan like Meera, Md. Rana and all. During this time I met Rajiv Sivani who was vice president of Tips.

Q. Do you feel that you are lucky?
A. I feel that I am lucky because Khuda gave me opportunities and I met right people at the right time. It is my good luck that I met someone like Rajiv who gave me a chance. I got all the facilities from the company while recording with them. They provide me very good directors, lyrics, crew members etc.

Q. You have given music in Khuda Ke Liye, any other films after that?
A. I had composed five songs for Khuda Ke Liye and I have sung those songs, too. This film changed the whole scenario of Pakistani film and no other film is being made yet to match that one. And if we talk about music it has to be something which will be cherished and enjoyed by all for a long time.

Q. Any film offers in India?
A. Who would not like to work in Bollywood movies but as of now I want to concentrate in composing good music only.

Leading Pakistani musicians come together to revive our 'Qaumi Tarana'

2008-08-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Revival of the National Anthem

Leading musicians come together to breathe life and colour into our 'Qaumi Tarana'

Saba Sartaj K, Karachi

Pakistan's national anthem - our 'Qaumi Tarana' has been a part of our lives since it was first aired on the radio in 1954. We've sung it in school as children, been inspired by it through our youth and sought strength from it during times of turmoil. It is an awe-inspiring and respect evoking anthem, but has also become a tad bit impersonal and intimidating for the youth of the country, especially in the turbulent times we live in.

Geo Television has now taken the initiative to redefine the spirit behind the National Anthem with a fresher and more personal melody. An anthem that will appeal to the youth and the whole nation. Something that is catchy and light yet retaining the essence of the original anthem whose verses were composed by the renowned poet of Pakistan, Abul Asar Hafeez Jullundhri, while the tune was composed by Ahmed G. Chagla, the well known musician and composer.

Notable composer Mujahid Hussain has arranged the new and vibrant version of the anthem. He has tried to keep the melody light and more musical, as composed to the previous melody, which was more daunting. The reason behind this revival is to give our national anthem a sound which is more musical and has a more 'sing along' quality to it, so it moves out of just National and school assemblies and into our daily lives.

The musical instruments, melody, and composition in this new version of the anthem, while staying true to the original version, take new meaning and evoke new emotions - that of love, belonging and togetherness. Getting together 40 of the most eminent musicians and singers in Pakistan, from all the provinces and schools of music has given a new meaning to the anthem and the nationalist feelings it evokes.

The feelings of unity and tantalizing energy were very tangible when one went to see the recording of this magnum opus project. With representatives from every province in the country to representatives of almost every gharana of music in Pakistan, the exciting mix of artists and the fact that the house of pop, rock, classical music and ghazals were coming together to make a new version of the national anthem was just electrifying.

"Its great. I'm honored and this is our contribution to Pakistani people," said Immu of Fuzon. "We can only give a little and this is it. The anthem is very relevant. We listen to the anthem very less nowadays so if you do listen to it you remember the feelings of patriotism. The anthem is in Farsi so it sounds even more beautiful - especially if you understand the words," he added.

While at the shooting of the anthem, one realized how much hard work, dedication and planning has gone into composing, singing, recording and shooting the anthem and putting this novel and brilliant idea, which was the brain child of Imran Aslam, the President of Geo Television, Badar Ikram, Head of Geo Entertainment and Ayub Khawar the producer of the show. While there were 40 singers in all who came together to record this anthem in Lahore and Karachi, not all, unfortunately, could make it to the shooting of the video, which included important names like Tina Sani, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Salamat Ali Khan, who lent their distinguished vocals to the anthem but could not be a part of the video.

It was interesting to see how all these artists, from different backgrounds, walks of life and sensibilities came together on one platform to perform. Everyone was in high spirits and it felt like one big joyous occasion. All the ladies, looking pretty in white were seen sitting together around a number of fans to keep their make-up and hair looking fresh, exchanging make-up tips and discussing clothes. The young artists were seen respectfully embracing their seniors and made it a point to rush to them first and pay their respects. Shafqat Amanat Ali rushed in and before he could have a word with anyone, went dashing in to touch the feet of his uncle Ustad Hamid Ali Khan. It was wonderful seeing all the great artists of the country come together for such a good cause and seeing them all so enthusiastic and cheerful just made one feel privileged and proud at being a Pakistani.

"It feels really good to be a part of this," Shafqat said, "its such a prestigious project and when I was told of the concept of reviving the anthem, I wanted to be a part of it. If it is successful and if people like it, all our names will go down in history. This is history being made right here!" he said. To which his uncle Ustaad Hamid Ali Khan added, "Yeh aik bari achi baat hai, qaum ko jazba dilanay kay liay hay. We should thank God for our house. Our country is our home. We are born here and we will die here so we need to give something back to it," he concluded.

We have such immense talent in the country, many larger then life personalities and such a beautiful and diverse culture. Putting all of that and the old and the young under one roof and weaving magic is what this project has achieved. It is a fusion of folk, pop, rock and eastern classical for a noble and national cause.

"It is the revival of the National Anthem," said Ayub Khawar, the producer of the new anthem. "Even today when the anthem is played on television or cinemas you can't understand the vocals or the video. We wanted to give it a fresh new look and sound which is understandable as well as make it a little mellow and soothing so people can enjoy it, hum it and sing it and not just associate it with official events and occasions," he added.

This new anthem is like a face-lift for the previous one, which due to poor sound and picture quality is hardly distinguishable. It is a harmonious rendering of the three-stanza composition with a tune based on eastern classical and pop music, where the beat of the tabla fuses with the subtle and soothing strumming of the sitar and the various other western and classical instruments.

"I loved the idea when I heard it. The situation in the country is so tense right now and it will work perfectly to boost the morale of the nation. Iss say hum sub may jazba jagay ga" said Shahida Mini, one of the most popular singers in the country. "I am proud to have been born in Pakistan. A lot of sacrifices had to be made for us to get this homeland and we all need to come together and work hard for it. Katray katray say darya banta hai. We all need to contribute. This is just a small little contribution my fellow musicians and I are making and it's a wonderful idea."

The studio where the anthem was being recorded was buzzing as all the artists came together - but as is custom, very fashionably late. But then, its better to show up late then to not show up at all, which was feared of Fakhir when he hadn't showed up even past 8pm, whereas the artists were requested to come in by 12 pm! This is definitely one of the major drawbacks in our entertainment industry today, where anything starting at the stated time is but a distant and almost unobtainable dream. Ali Azmat and Jawad Ahmed came in a close second to Fakhir when they came waltzing in at 7 pm. Khawar Jawed, one must add, was one of the first to arrive, that too with his newly wedded bride in tow, and sat very patiently and sweetly throughout the wait that his other respected colleagues put him through. Ustad Hamid Ali Khan was also another singer who takes punctuality very seriously and was there waiting for his juniors to make an appearance for many an hour. Not once did one hear him complain or throw a diva like tantrum which would have been the case had it been any of the reletively newer bunch such as Ali Azmat or Fakhir, who are tremendously talented but equally challenged when it comes to matters of punctuality.

Despite all the waiting in the unpleasant heat of Karachi, the whole experience was definitely worth the while. The grandeur of the project and various leading musicians coming together in a single collaborative effort to revive the national anthem is heart warming, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. The national anthem is tremendously significant for every nation and one wonders why this step wasn't taken earlier. A childrens' version of the anthem as well as an instrumental version of the anthem, with a majestic orchestra are also in the works which will be released subsequently after the release of this video.

With the present tense situation in the country and waning morale of the nation, the release of this beautifully orchestrated national anthem is a wise and timely move and is sure to strike a chord and evoke to feelings of Jazba and Junoon in everyone.

Watch this new, revived version of the National Anthem on August 10 on all Geo Network channels, and kick start your Independence Day celebrations by singing along to 'Pak Sar Zameen Shaad Baad…!'

Shafqat & Fuzon might do a project together in the next few months!

2008-08-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Shafqat sings with Fuzon for the national anthem!

Geo TV's taping of Pakistan's national anthem, which is being touted as the revival of the national anthem – was held on August 5 with a large number of singers in attendance. While the recording brought together stars from all musical genres ranging from Ustad Hamid Ali Khan to Shahida Mini, it also united the split up members of Fuzon.

Shafqat Amanat Ali and his ex-band mates from Fuzon, Shallum and Immu, were all together on the same stage to perform the anthem. One would have expected fireworks, but both Shallum and Shafqat came across as being cordial and happy about working together with each other. "It feels great to come together with Shafqat again, he's a great guy and accomplished singer." said Shallum.

On being asked if they plan to work together again, Shallum said "We might do a project together in the next few months, and we're looking forward to it."

Shafqat, on being asked about his feelings about working with Fuzon diplomatically stated, "I'm a singer and an artist and I want to work with everyone." Stay tuned for news of if this project does make it to the light of day!

link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

'I was offered a film with Big B', Ali Zafar

2008-08-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

Pakistani singer Ali Zafar talks to Masala! about music and film offers from Bollywood

He is young, immensely talented, famous and has a loyal fan following. He has been offered roles in both Pakistani and Indian movies but at the moment Ali Zafar says, music is his calling.

Why do you think your debut album Huqa Pani was such a major hit?
Because I was honest to myself.

You are a musician, painter, singer and model. How do you juggle it all?
I mainly concentrate on singing. I paint only for myself now. I'm not a pro model, I just endorse products for being who I am. And I haven't taken up any acting project for a long time because of time constraints. Plus nothing came up which could interest me to that extent.

You've received dozens of offers from Bollywood both as an actor and as a singer. Are you considering any?
Believe it or not I'm more of an artist than a star. I would rather do what I'm passionate about. I was offered a movie by Mahesh Bhatt, then I was to be cast alongside Amitabh Bachchan and another one supposedly had Anupam Kher in the role of my father and some solo launch projects too with fresh cast. But I still haven't come across a project which compels me to feel strongly about it.

How did you feel when Himesh copied your song Rangeen and included it in the film Aashiq Banaye Aapne?
Well, copying can never be justified. I just wish he had asked me once, I would have given it to him anyway, just for one of his caps.

Your latest album Masty was yet again a smasher after Channo. What do we expect from Ali Zafar next?
I have set up my own studio at home. Very soon you'll get to hear lots of supersonic stuff in my next album.

Eastern Eye, a leading British-Asian paper, has rated you as one of the 10 Sexiest Men in Asia. How does it feel?
Feels very sexy.

Link: Masala.Com

Pakistani Pop Star Adeel Chaudhry Along With Shahid Kapoor & Vidya Balan In A Video

2008-08-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

According To The Details , Pakistani Pop Star Has Reached Pakistan After Shooting The Video Of "Move Your Body Now"

For OST Of Kismet Konnection Where Along With Adeel, Shahid Kapoor & Vidya Balan Also Did Modeling In The Video.The Director Aziz Mirza Recorded Two Songs With Shan And Picturised It On Shahid And Vidya & Which Is Topping The Charts Now a Days.

String along with the Pakistani duo

2008-08-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Bilal Maqsood

ENTHRALLING the city of Chennai, Strings, the duo from across the LOC set the stage on fire at the showdown to the IIPM culturals. The first concert after the launch of their latest album, 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai', Bilal Maqsood(guitar) and Faisal Kapadia (vocals) believed that Chennai is a great place to do some live gigging. Expresso caught up with them.

Your first song, 'Sar Kiye Ya Pahar', became popular in India, especially after it was played in the clubs. But what is your take on remixing original songs. Does it lose its flavour in the process?

All we can say is that when you do it, it becomes a new form of music. The people who make the original piece never think of remixing it. Earlier, there was a special form of music that was meant for the clubs. Now it’s different. Every popular song finds its way to the console. But the life of a remixed song is never as long as the original.

You have worked with Euphoria, Hariharan and many other Indian musicians. Do you see music as a key factor for building bridges between nations?

Absolutely. And we are glad we are a part of that process. This year has been great for us. We have done quite a bit of travelling and a few movies as well. What we have noticed is that things are getting better between the two countries. The governments are doing what they can and music is doing what it can.

When you started in 1989, in college, as a pop-rock band, doing such music was considered a bad trait in Pakistan. What did it take for you to get to this stage?

True. When we began, it was testing times in Pakistan. There was just one state television and a radio station, which never promoted any sort of music that we did. It’s different now. But we struggled, as we had to prove ourselves. But we believed that if we were honest about our work and that we would take off.

You are the ambassadors of peace in the UNICEF. You have also done a video on the Beirut crisis. What about a project on the India- Pakistan peace process?

We always wanted to look at the India-Pakistan relationship in a positive way unlike how many people see it now. It’s about coming together. Why not, we might do a project soon.

Being the brand ambassadors of Gibson, you use only their guitars for stage shows. Do you do it because of the profitability factor or because you are hooked to the brand as musicians?

A true musician never looks at just the profitability factor. Gibson has been a dream come true for us. It’s like getting the Nobel Prize in peace. Growing up, we’ve seen the big acts in the world playing Gibson and we are only happy to be representing the name.

It’s the third time you are performing in Chennai. Tell me one thing that you find different in Chennai when it comes to audience response.

We keep touring India very often. Perhaps the one thing that we find different in Chennai and all over South India is that the crowd really loves live music. People, we believe, go out of the way to listen to someone playing live.

Coming to Chennai, did you get a chance to listen to any Tamil film music?

Actually, yes. We have heard some film music and we absolutely love AR Rahman. But unfortunately we never got a chance to listen to the local bands here.

Urdu music is traversing borders these days. Who do you think is the generation-next in Hindi pop-rock music?

There’s lots. Pakistan has a bundle of young talents as Urdu pop is becoming more popular unlike film music, which is hardly heard. Two names that we would say are those of Asif’s and Jal’s. In fact everyone is doing a good job.

And we want to say, ‘Do music because you feel it from the heart. Don’t run after the money’.

Link: NewIndPress.Com

Abhijeet will not fight anymore :D

2008-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Abhijeet Bhattacharya (TOI Photo)

He is known for his firebrand image. Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya is also known for the strong emotional bond that he forms with the contestants he judges on talent hunt shows.

But, it was this emotional streak that landed him in a controversy, when recently, he objected to bringing back a non-Indian contestant Musarrat through a wild card entry instead of an Indian. And predictably so, he paid a heavy price for calling a spade a spade. But not anymore, he says in a no-holds-barred tête-à-tête...

Have you sorted out the differences over Pakistani singer Musarrat?

Let me put it this way, why should I become a reformer when no one minds being short changed by what is happening in the industry today. I am not the kind of judge who’d accept Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000 and sit on talent hunt shows that’re being dictated by shoddy scripts written to push up the TRPs. I gave up Rs 70 lakhs to fight for our Indian contestants who are far more talented than the whole world put together. But I will not fight anymore. If contestants’ parents are not bothered about their children’s future, which is being robbed by non-Indians, who am I to stop them?

You really feel our kids’ future is being robbed by participants from abroad?

Hundred per cent. Just watch when the auditions happen, where kids stand in long lines for days hoping to get selected. But participants from Pakistan are put on a flight and given direct entry into these shows, why? Kya khasiyat hai inme? Hindustan ke galli-galli mein Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan mil jayega, but unki koi kadar nahin. Par ek Pakistan se aa gaya toh humne usse sar pe utha liya.

You don’t think there is any talent in Pakistan?

Aatif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and hundred others are nothing compared to our singers like Javed Ali, Soham, Bulli, Raja Hassan, but no one wants to give them a chance. They say I am biased if I reprimand Musarrat – because he’s a Pakistani, but they don’t mind if I shout at Raja Hassan because he is an Indian. What sort of hypocrisy is this?

You have been very vocal over the choice of Musarrat?

I have always said that our children should be given first preference. But desh ki maryada ko dao pe lagana aaj kal fashion ho gaya hai. I don’t know why do we have such a complex when it comes to shoving Pakistan back to where it belongs – the other side of the border?

But not everyone agrees with your stand?

Yes, I have been fighting alone for seven-eight years in this industry. But it’s a shame that as Indians we have such a low regard for our nationality when it comes to protecting our kids’ welfare. So now, I too have decided not to make a hue and cry about it.

What upsets you the most about the music industry today?

No other country will allow foreigners to work and earn so freely as we allow them here. They come here, earn crores, build assets, but does our government bother to check if they pay tax? Why are the Advanis, Karats, Mulayams and Kalams, all quiet over this? If I want to make a living in the US or the UK I need a working permit, while in Pakistan we are not even allowed to enter the country. Then why are we so large-hearted in the glamour and entertainment industry?

Shehzad Roy's 'Laga Reh' is storming its way to the top of the charts!

2008-08-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Shehzad Roy's 'Laga Reh' is storming its way to the top of the charts

Everyone has tuned in to the song: students, bloggers, executives, housewives, housemaids and even lawyers!

Fatima Zakir, Karachi

Shehzad Roy's latest video 'Laga Reh' is out and is creating waves on every music channel these days. The tune of the song is very catchy, and it's an Ahsan Rahim video, probably the snazziest he ever made but the real secret to 'Laga Reh's success is that the song and the video say exactly what most Pakistanis feel right now. 'Laga Reh' is a laugh out loud depiction of the what ails Pakistani society at the moment with a satirical touch that is making people across the country tune in to music channels.

The video kicks off with Shehzad singing for a cheering crowd and he is thrown off the stage as a politician mounts to speak to the people who are chanting for him. He then converses with a buzurg on a bus hurtling hap hazardly down the road (just as our buses do) they wonder about what is happening with this country (mulk kaise yeh chale ga) until the bus bangs into a rickshaw. It's the perfect depiction of how Pakistan keeps on starting up over and over again as a state, hits a road block and goes back to square one.

With 'Laga Reh', Shehzad Roy has come out of his lover boy of pop costume and has stepped into the shoes of a common man, asking questions about what's going on at a time when we are all wondering the same about Pakistan. Pakistanis are loving it!

"The lyrics, the music, the video… everything is so refreshing," says Samrah Aftab, a content executive at a PR firm. "The first time I watched the video I couldn't help smiling at the lyrics but watching it again and again made me realise it's not just to enjoy but to actually think about it."

Ahsan Rahim has the magic to illustrate the most serious ideas in a satirical way. They don't hit you hard in the face but are an eye opener even as they make you laugh.

Suraiya Qadir, a housewife, thinks that the way Shehzad Roy has incorporated the current lawyer's controversy and the indifference of people towards the false promises of our leaders in his video is accurate.

"That's who we really are," Suraiya tells Instep Today. "We have inequality and chaos in our country but don't have the courage to speak up for our rights."

The higher income classes are tuning in to this video and that is because instead of employing visuals of glamorized models and made up men, this video characterizes people we see everyday. The buzurg, the bus driver, the lawyer, the rioters and of course the Americans whose presence looms large over our country. Ali Azmat plays the character of a common man who cheers for his leaders in hope of a better political regime ignoring the mistakes they have made in the past. The ambitious chunk of us can entirely relate to Ali when he asks, 'To kia himmat haar doon?' The point is not just to hope but to actually stand up and do something about it.

And this is what is making people from the lower income brackets watch the video too.

"It seemed as if the singer has put forward the deep down feelings of the entire nation," says Shamim, a woman who works as a cleaning lady (maasi). "Our leaders promise us peace and prosperity and we fall prey to their vicious schemes. We are not concerned what they decide about the judiciary but when the city comes under fire because of this crisis… we suffer. A single day off work means reduction of your salary. But, can we really do something about it? Nearly all our leaders have been tried and tested, and we can't expect anything fruitful from anyone."

Instep Today also found it important to speak to a lawyer. How is the legal community reacting to the part of the video where Shehzad Roy sees a lawyer trying to burn tyres on the road?

"I am a lawyer but I must say that the video is well shot and executed," says Usman Jamil, a lawyer in Lahore. "My interpretation of the video is that the uproar lawyers are trying to create is not gotten shape yet. We are still unable to ignite the fire through our struggle but there is hope things will get better soon."

Perhaps the biggest achievement of 'Laga Reh' is that it mocks what is happening but abstains from carrying it to the point when it becomes offensive. That is why where some people are taking 'Laga Reh' as a wakeup call, others are just watching it for fun.

Qudsia Noori, an A Level student from Lyceum School says: "I am not a Shehzad Roy fan but I love 'Laga Reh'. The music is so different and the way he added dialogues in between is too good! My favorite one is 'Kuch na kar kuch na kar tu… sab kuch Allah par chhor de… bas Allah hi tera hafiz hai'. (Don't do anything and leave it God. He will take care of everything). The plus point is the video that is such a cool representation of the anarchy in our country. I am not really aware of the political situation around but this video made me realize how indifferent we all are towards our future."

With this we can also say that Shehzad Roy likes to be surrounded with controversies. He has pushed the envelope of pop music before. Remember his song 'Saali'? Some people went ballistic over his use of the word 'saali' which was not meant to be distasteful in any way. The song was a hit because it did strike a chord. 'Saali' is commonly used in our everyday vocabulary. But while 'Saali' was a minor affront to the sensibilities of some Pakistanis, Shehzad Roy has pushed the envelope to a whole new level with 'Laga Reh'.

Even the blogs have started talking about the song. According to the discussion on www.pakmusic.net, a user has commented, "Ye video bohat saheeh time par banai hai kyonke hum sab aisey hi ho gaye hain. Bilkul isi tarah hum sab tamasha daikhty hain. Ghalat kaam hota dekh kar hum usay rokna chahtey hi nahi balke kehtey hain laga reh. Is mulk ko leadership say ziada jazbay ki zaroorat hai." (This is the right time to release such a video because this is how we all have become. We believe in watching the show from a distance and don't want to step forward to curb the misconducts of the people. In fact, we let it happen. More than leadership, this country needs passion to bring change).

Hats off to Shehzad Roy for coming up with such a brilliant concept and an upbeat video. 'Laga Reh' shows how music can get into the core of politics and made us think. 'Laga Reh' is the first video from Shehzad's album Qismat Apne Haat Mein. It will be interesting to see what his next video will be. Here's hoping he picks a song that is as revolutionary and rebellious as 'Laga Reh'. Only such a song will be able to outdo the massive hit his last offering has become. More please Shehzad. We want to face more truths while being entertained!

Link: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Interview: Strings on the success of 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai'

2008-08-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

No strings attached

They croon soulful vocals, strum the guitar effortlessly and can give John Abraham a run for his money. Every girl’s dream we would think. But apparently, every guy’s too.

Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia of Strings need no introduction. The internationally acclaimed Pakistani band burst onto the Indian music scene in the year 2000 with their hit single Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar and have been creating history ever since. It’s been an incredible journey for the talented duo who is riding high on the success of their brand new album Koi Aanay Wala Hai, which has been released after a span of four years.

Says Faisal Kapadia, lead vocalist, “Our latest album is a reinvention of sorts. Bilal and I wanted a sound that was fresh and different from whatever we have done in the past. As artistes, we have matured tremendously over the past four years and Koi Aanay Wala Hai is a product of that.”

Bilal is quick to add that while there has been a change of sound and they have dabbled with a few more genres, the essence of Strings still remains the same. And what is that, we ask? Pat comes the reply. “Soulful, simple and sensuous music, that is straight from the heart,” says Bilal Maqsood, lead guitarist.

He also says that unlike their previous albums, which caught on to the listeners immediately, this album is one that will grow on you.

Classifying themselves in the genre of pop-rock, the twosome say that they do not derive any inspiration from contemporary music. “While today’s musicians are exceptionally talented, we don’t particularly draw inspiration from anyone. We play for the love of music, we play for ourselves. If we are not satisfied with how a particular number sounds, chances are, the world won’t hear it either,” says Bilal passionately. While the two don’t look upon contemporary music for inspiration, they are hugely inspired by Bilal’s father, Anwar Maqsood, who penned the lyrics for their initial songs.

Chennai’s vibrant rock scene has not gone unnoticed by the duo, who came to the city last in the year 2006 for a concert. Quiz them about the music scene in Chennai and they grin widely. “We are very impressed by what Chennai has to offer for its music lovers. It’s great to see young talent being encouraged and given a platform to perform. Chennaiites seem to know their music well and the rock scene, especially among the college crowd seems to be bustling. There is just so much energy and it is infectious,” says Faisal.

In a country where Bollywood dhin-chak is the first and last word on music, how do these boys fit in? “We don’t want to fit in; we simply want to experiment and Bollywood is just another genre for us. It maybe good money and a lot of Pakistani singers are taking to Bollywood in a big way, but pop music is our mainstay. We look to connect with our fans through that and with an exception of maybe Zinda and Shootout at Lokhandwala we haven’t dabbled too much with Bollywood music. It would be a nice challenge though,” say the duo.

The band also has an international track to its credit. They were chosen to compose the original soundtrack for Spider-Man 2, an incredible honour for the duo. “We didn’t know this opportunity was coming our way. It just fell into our lap; we didn’t take a conscious effort to promote ourselves, but were elated when it happened.”

What’s up next? Apart from enjoying the success of their recent album and collaborating with bands like Parikrama, the rockers are busy with some UNICEF related work and are looking to compose music for films as well.

There has been no looking back for the Pakistani boys; who have left an indelible mark on Indian soil as well. With oodles of talent, and personalities to match, all we can say is...rock on!

Link: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/I...ow/3321764.cms

Album Cover: Mauj's debut album 'Mauj'

2008-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Shehzad Roy - Qismat Apnay Haat Mein - [2008-VBR-320Kbps]

2008-08-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

YEH HUM NAHEEN - Say No To Terrorism

2008-08-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

The song Yeh Hum Naheen has been aired for quite some time now.We have all heard it sung by various artists.

Yeh Hum Naheen is a campaign against terrorism which is strongly supported by our many artists.

All you have to do is go to YehHumNaheen.org and cast your vote to join the fight against terrorism.
Musik Pakistan supports this cause and we suggest our readers to join in.

Sialkot: Ali Zafar live in concert (Pictures)

2008-08-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ali Zafar also known as Prince of Pop, is a Pakistani musician, actor, painter and model probably most noted around South Asia for his music, including his hit songs like Channo, Rangeen, Chal Dil Merey, Dekha, Masty and Sajania. He started his singing career with his hit song Jugnuon se bhar le aanchal in the film Shararat directed by Pakistani actress and director Samina Peerzada.

Zafar recently won the ''Youth Icon'' award from the Lux Style Awards 2007, in Malaysia.

He has also been listed in ''8 MOST HANDSOME AND SEXY MEN OF ASIA'' by a Britsh magazine named Eastern Eye.

Interview: Arooj Aftab

2008-08-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Formally studying music at Berklee College, MA, Arooj is a talented artist with ambitious plans to bring formal music education to Pakistan - in addition to producing her own albums along the way. The inspiring twist to Arooj's story isn't just that she's a Pakistani woman who has decided to make music a career, but that she has lofty plans of educating more Pakistanis, in a formal way, about music. And after meeting all these young musicians, many of whom have already put Pakistan on the map in a positive way, we only have the highest hopes for our nation forming a cultural bridge with the rest of the world. There are very few people who would say it isn't necessary to have such a bridge, and it is exactly those people we need to get out of the mix by building a counter-force to their high nuisance, low-value opinion!

We wish Arooj the very best in her career and hope that she can be an inspiration for many others!

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Saudi Arabia and spent a few years of my childhood there. My family then moved to Lahore and I completed my O Levels from the Convent of Jesus and Mary. From there, I completed my A Levels from Lahore Grammar School (DHA). Before starting college I took a year off and applied for a scholarship program at Berklee's online extension school (www.berkleemusic.com). This is where I won the Steve Vai Scholarship and thus spent the year studying with Berklee Music online. I am now 20 years old, and living in Boston. I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in Professional Music based on Core Music Theory, Music Education and Music Production/Engineering.

You are the first female musician from Pakistan to pursue formal education in music - how did this all come about and what did it take to be where you are today?

I was a student of finance up until I applied for college. I had known about Berklee College of Music since I was 14 years old through searching the internet for music schools because I was curious about music education and professional degrees in music. When applying to college, I felt detached from my future career choice. I'd been pursuing accounting so far, but it felt off beam to be investing so much time and money into something that brought me no happiness. Cliched as it might sound now, I decided to be true to my heart, and mustered the confidence to talk to my parents about Berklee College as a possibility. It took months of persuasion and reasoning on my part before I could have them understand just how important music was to me and what exactly my goals were.
I got the Steve Vai Grant scholarship for Berklee Music Online, their online external school. I am currently doing my undergraduate degree on the BEST (Berklee Entering Student Test) Scholarship, and am required to finance the rest.

Arooj performing with her friends at Berklee

How would you describe the study of music to a person who doesn't know what it means to study music?
People seem to think that formal music education restricts creativity, and is unnecessary. But, like any other education, music education builds structure and discipline in musicianship. Core Music Theory is universal and applies to all kinds of music. During my first semester I was enrolled in a course called ''Perfection Skills for the Background Vocalist.'' My first reaction was thinking that I had scored low on my vocal skills auditions and so they gave me a background vocals class. But I realized later that in order to be an excellent vocalist, you need to be able to understand and respect every aspect of a vocalist's role. Similarly, in arranging class, we compose and notate cello pieces, drum patterns and bass lines. The interpretation and understanding of different instruments and how they come together musically is priceless knowledge for a musician. Ear training builds the ability to hear notes, progressions and scales in music. It makes composing easier and faster. These elements and more come together to create an inclusive, well- rounded musician. Berklee is giving me the education, experience, overall musicianship and confidence that I will need to pursue my plans for music education in Pakistan.

What are your personal academic goals what are you aiming to get out of this undergrad in music?
To me, music has never been about recording albums and making videos. It holds the incredible power to motivate people and influence their thoughts. My primary goal is to bring formal music education to Pakistan. Along the way, I have plans to help bring about positive social change for women in Pakistan. We have let go too many years now without respect for women as professionals and especially professional musicians. Our basic human and social values seem to be crumbling as 'codes' of conduct continue to dictate what is proper and what is wrong. We have some learning and some unlearning to do, and I believe that music and musical motivation is an excellent medium to begin this change.

How did the guitar become your chosen instrument? What is special about it from your perspective?
There are a lot of instruments that I love besides the guitar. I have begun playing drums and piano. Here at music school we consider voice to be an instrument too. The guitar is one of the most used instruments in music. I guess I was more inclined to pick it up because I heard it in all the music I used to listen to at that time. The music that made me get up and actually go buy my first guitar was a piece from the soundtrack of City of Angels.

How many songs have you composed and what can you tell us about them?

Songs come and go really. I am extremely particular about lyrics and am not satisfied with any of my texts yet. It is an endless process of writing and rewriting. One of my songs is called Celebration of Life which focuses on optimism and the appreciation of things around us. With all the cynicism and negativity in this 'world gone mad', I feel positive energy needs to be touched upon and created where absent. Then there is 'Walking-' a song I wrote in grade 9. It won me the berklee scholarship. I re-recorded it at Meekal's studio with Gumby on drums and bass and it was fun to see how it turned out eventually. It's a mellow acoustic/alternative song. All of these can be listened to at www.aroojaftab.com
The album will probably take a few years. I'm learning so much at Berklee and I want to incorporate all of it into my music, so I feel waiting is crucial for me right now.

Have you done any shows and what kind of response did you get from the audience?
I did a show or two in school, and also performed live for City FM89's birthday transmission. Performances make me nervous and I don't want to do any until I know that I'm perfectly ready. In Pakistan, performance defines a musician. At music school I've learnt that some people are cut out for it and some just aren't. Regardless of their playability. These are the small differences that I detect in how we view music under such tight scrutiny in Pakistan and how that too needs to change.
How do people in Pakistan regard your decision to study music as opposed to the typical fields like science or management?

I think that since Pakistan is a developing country it does make sense that education is currently centered around fields like engineering, medical science and management. Being a woman studying music has been difficult for me because people are not willing to do away with their stereotypes of 'proper' and 'improper.' The true value of Music has been misrepresented and never been properly defined in Pakistan. I feel that once my goals are realized, Insha Allah, we will be able to graduate into a more accepting and understanding environment for music in Pakistan.

How would you characterize the facilities available to young musicians like yourself for recording and promoting your music in Pakistan?

The good thing is that the music industry is small, and the country is pretty small too so any appreciable talent is noticed and taken beneath the spotlight immediately. Recording studios are not efficient at all, though. The people running them are not professional recording technicians or even close to experts.

Arooj performing at Berklee

What are your future plans and where do you see yourself in say five years' time as a musician? Do you see these plans transpiring in the US or back in Pakistan?
In five years inshAllah my degree should be completed. My album too should be concluded. Ideas regarding the music school should be transferring on to solid blueprints and I should be losing a lot of sleep trying to accomplish the vision of formal music education in my country!

Hotsteppers of the week: Shehzad Roy

2008-08-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

This week's undeniable hotstepper has to be Shehzad Roy. While Shehzad has been in the limelight since the 90s as one of Pakistan's most popular singers, he has made a second coming this year with the launch of his album - Qismat Apney Haat Mein. While the album was launched at Karachi's Juvenile jail for an audience of young prisoners and media personnel, it's the first video - 'Laga Reh' that is really making waves. Directed by Ahsan Rahim, the video had endorsements by noted columnist Ardeshir Cowasjee and sportsman-turned philanthropist-turned politician Imran Khan. The video puts a spotlight on all the issues in the country that make headlines on a daily basis, with a rather sarcastic take on how Pakistanis deal with the issues. The words 'laga reh' define that mentality all too well! Ali Azmat, Mani, Faisal Qureshi (keep an eye out for his flying sequence!) and director Ahsan Rahim.

Quite a few firsts for Shehzad are coming about! Shehzad has turned his hand to songwriting for the first time in his career and penned the entire album himself, which features a number of social commentary songs (check out 'Quaid-e-Azam' and 'Qismat Apney Haat Mein') as well as Roy's signature romantic songs. The album also features a duet with legendary singer Abida Parveen!
Shehzad also appeared on Geo TV's show Capital Talk, which named its show 'Le lo qismat apney haath mein' (take destiny into your hands), which is rather rare he is the first singer to be invited on the show. We predict Shehzad Roy will be one of the hottest artists this year, simply because this is an incredibly relevant album for the times we live in. Kudos to Shehzad for going ahead with launching an album that could easily be perceived as uber-controversial (sponsors declined to touch it!) and for teaming up with Ahsan Rahim for the 'Laga Reh' video. We can't wait to see the next video, also to be directed by Ahsan Rahim, and the buzz that generates!

Source : INSTEP Magzine

Reviving the dying art of violin playing

2008-08-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

Pakistan’s first violin school opens today

By Ali Usman

LAHORE: Where words fail, music speaks, and without music, life is just like a journey through a desert. It’s easy to play any musical instrument, as all one has to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself. However, as violin is considered one of the toughest instruments to play in Pakistan, not many people are interested in learning to play it.

Although basic courses on the instrument are taught at various institutes, both private and government ones, there is not a single exclusive violin school in Pakistan. With an aim to boost the art of violin playing, a violin school is set to open in a shopping mall on Gulberg’s Main Boulevard today (Saturday).

This violin school will be first of its kind in Pakistan, claims Ghulam Ali, the pioneer of the school. Ali, a National College of Arts (NCA) graduate who had done his thesis on violin playing, has been playing violin for years, and now has come up with an idea to pass on the art to the younger generation.

Talking to Daily Times, Ali said that he had been abroad and had observed that the westerners loved playing violin. “Even the elderly people there keenly learn playing the instrument,” he said. He said that he wanted to revive the art of playing violin in Pakistan, and would do his best for it. “I have dedicated my life to music and violin is my passion. I will impart all what I have to my students,” he said.

Three courses have initially been designed for students, which include a three-month basic course, a six-month short course and a one-year diploma. Eight students, including four girls, have got registered at the school.

Zafar Mehmood, one of the registered students, said that he was quite happy that someone had taken up the task to teach violin, his favourite instrument. He said that he was a graphic designer by profession, and had tried a lot to learn violin in the past, but had to burry his desire, as there was no specific institute for it.

Another student said that had been learning violin at Alhamra Arts Council, but only basics were being taught there. “I am happy because now I will be able to learn playing the instrument properly,” he said.

Besides violin classes, other traditional music instruments like flute and guitar will also be taught at the institute. Ali said that students would be taught with notations and practical performances. He said that he had kept the courses fee affordable to everyone to give a chance to more and more students to learn music. The formal inaugural ceremony of the school will be presided over by the Culture Minister Dr Tanveerul Islam.

Source: www.dailytimes.com.pk

Lux Style Awards and Telenor Masty Express Concert Cancelled

2008-08-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Turbulent politics, unprecedented inflation and security concerns have led to cancellation and postponement of a number of showbiz and cultural events. Deemed, as Pakistan’s ‘Oscars’ LUX Style Awards the biggest style and fashion-based event is the latest one to be cancelled.

Telenor’s Masty Express concert featuring pop star Ali Zafar and local artistes was scheduled to be held on Thursday (yesterday) at Alhamra Cultural Complex but was postponed due to security concerns. The local authorities had reportedly advised the organisers to postpone it due to security conditions in the city.

The LUX Style Awards for excellence in cinema, TV, music and fashion being held since 2002 every year aim at honouring outstanding contribution with around 30 awards. The awards have been held at different venues including Dubai. Last year’s awards ceremony was held in Malaysia. There were reports earlier this year that the event would this year be held in Bangkok. It was announced later in briefing at Karachi that the event would be held in Lahore - the country’s cultural capital - this summer.

A Unilever spokesperson said that it was not appropriate to go ahead with the awards this year as millions of Pakistanis were confronted with unprecedented inflation and the country was facing tough economic and security conditions. “The LUX Style Awards are for us a way to contribute to the society in which we operate. Despite the set back of not being able to go ahead with the annual ceremony in the manner that has come to be expected of the LUX Style Awards, we have every intention of honouring the nominees and going ahead with the LSA scholarship scheme that we started this year,” the spokesperson explained.

The LUX Style Awards had announced a scholarship scheme this year to give annual scholarships to students of the National College of Arts (TV and Film Department), National Academy of Performing Arts (Music department) and to the two fashion schools - Pakistan School of Fashion Design in Lahore and Asian Institute of Fashion Design in Karachi.

This year there would be no awards ceremony. The award winners shall be announced and honoured in a modest manner. This year director Shoaib Mansoor’s ‘Khuda Kay Liyae’ scooped up all the film awards nominations. Albums from Jal, Ali Azmat, Atif Aslam, Abrar ul Haq and Rozen were all nominated in the Best Music Album category. Uns Mufti’s Broken Boundaries for Coven, Bilal Lashari’s Dhamaal for Overload, Ahsan Rahim’s Sajania by Ali Zafar, Bilal Lashari’s Sajni for Jal and Soheb Akhtar’s Ujaloan Mein for Mizraab were the top five nominations in the Best Music Video category.

A new category was introduced for the Awards this year and the best single of the year nominees were ‘Aisi Taisi’ by Azal, ‘Bandeya’ by Khawar/Faiza from ‘Khuda Kay Liyae’, ‘Laree Chootee’ by Call, ‘Roya Re’ by Shiraz Uppal and ‘Sajni’ by Jal. The fourth music category of Best Live Act was dominated by Josh, Mauj, Meekal Hassan Band, Overload and Strings.

The Masty Express Concert series was a grand event to be held in 13 cities. The first three concerts were held in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sargodha. About 3,000 music lovers were expected to attend the concert at Alhamra Cultural Complex in Lahore. The next shows are to be held in Faisalabad and Multan. New date for show in Lahore would be announced later. The number of fashion shows and other showbiz events have decreased in the city. The main factor quoted by organisers are security concerns. Also the multinational companies that usually sponsor such events are shying away from publicity associated with them due to price hike and outcry of people against it. The government is oblivious to the situation and has no plan to salvage the entertainment industry.

Video: Shehzad Roy & Imran Khan on GEO TV's show 'Capital Talk'

2008-07-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Shehzad Roy, whose satirical video for 'Laga Reh' off his newly released album Qismat Apney Haat Mein is the talk of town for the rather accurate depiction of the issues facing Pakistan today, was seen on Geo TV's popular talk show, Capital Talk. While the show normally centers on political figures, Shehzad is apparently the first singer to be invited on the show. The show's theme was also based on the album, and was called 'Le lo qismat apney haat mein' (Take control of your destiny). Politicians Imran Khan (who also did a promo for Shehzad's video) and Qamar Zaira Khan were the other guests on the show, who were asked by Capital Talk host Hamid Mir to give their opinions on the various aspects highlighted in the video.

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SOURCE: www.pakmusic.net

Fawad Khan gets ready for Bollywood debut

2008-07-31T04:15:00.000-07:00

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan may only be one film old, but the success of his maiden venture Khuda Kay Liye both at home and abroad has opened up many avenues for the young debutant including Bollywood.

You have seen him as Sarmad, the young musician turned radical in Khuda Kay Liye and now news has it that this Pakistani actor is soon set to make his Bollywood debut in Vivek Agnihotri's Freedomfor Anil Ambani's, Reliance Big Entertainment.

"It was a very exciting and thrilling part of Khuda Kay Liye and the issues that it addressed to, they were very appropriate for the time. And that's what made the film even bigger than what is or could have been. I think it's been an honour, especially to have represented Pakistan on an international scale. It's been an over whelming response," says Fawad.

"Things have been good. Yes, I have received offers but nothing as such is penned down yet. I definitely appreciate that my fans are waiting for me to appear in a venture across the border as well, but nothing is as finalised yet. And I think it would be more adequate to comment about it when something does materialise and comes down into a finalised form," he adds.

With Fawad not wanting to divulge any more details about his offers from across the border, we thought it was time to quiz him about some of his Bollywood favourites including the actresses he'd like to work with.

"Again the actresses are all very pretty, very beautiful and amazing performers. And if by any chance, I ever get to step into the industry, I definitely would not want to put one off from the other. So they are all very good in their own places. But yes I'd like to mark down a few that I've really enjoyed watching. I think there's Smita Patel, there's Shabana Azmi. And from the modern performers, I think anyone and everyone is a favourite Aishwariya Rai, Bipasha Basu, the list just keeps going on and on," exclaimed Fawad.

As for Bollywood music, he finds Vishal Bhardwaj as a favourite. "I believe he's a song writer whose done music for quite a few films recently. He's also directed one of my favourite films Omkara. His song from the same film O saathi re would be one of my favourite songs," he added.

On that note we asked this Vishal Bhardwaj fan, who was once lead singer of the now disbanded music group Entity Paradigm if he would consider returning to a career in music in the future.

"I'm in love with performing arts. When it comes to music, it's is a passion that I've always had and I would like to continue that in the future. But for right now I'd like to focus on something that is in front of you. Yes in the future, we can both expect something to come up and I would love for my fans to gobble that up as well but for now let's just see how the film ground goes," said the multi-talented actor.

Voice of India winner Ishmeet drowns in Maldives

2008-07-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Celebrity singer Ishmeet Singh from Punjab, who shot to fame by winning the Voice of India (on Star TV) contest in November last year, drowned in a swimming pool on Tuesday at a resort in the Maldives where he had gone to take part in a concert.

Gurprinder Singh Sodhi, father of 20-year-old Ishmeet, said at their home in Ludhiana that the event management company, which took his son to the Maldives, informed him at around 2000 hours that the singer had died due to drowning in the swimming pool of the hotel where he was staying.

The second year Bachelor of Commerce student of MNC College, Mumbai, had gone to the pool for frolicking, but fell into its deep end leading to his drowning, agencies reported, quoting a hotel official.

Sodhi told media persons that they were surprised that their son had died due to drowning in the swimming pool.

"He had never swam before us and we are not aware whether he could swim or not," an inconsolable father said.

"Television channels announced his death at around 2100 hours, the time when were expecting to see Ishmeet perform for the first time in the Maldives," Sodhi said.

He said Ishmeet had left Ludhiana on Monday for Chandigarh from where he went to Mumbai on way to the Maldives.

A pall of gloom descended on the house of the singer in Ludhiana immediately after the news of his death reached.

Ishmeet's mother Amritpal Kaur was in a state of shock and so was his sister.

A large number of people gathered at the small house of Ishmeet in Shastri Nagar locality of the industrial town. All roads leading to his house from various adjoining localities, including Model Town and Pakhowal Road were choked with vehicles and people trying to reach the singer's house.

Ishmeet was doing a course in Architecture in Amritsar before he shifted to Mumbai last year after he won the Voice of India singing contest.

Sodhi said the event management company had informed the family that the body was expected to be brought to India on Wednesday. The cremation would be performed in Ludhiana.

Ishmeet's death plunged the music world into mourning and leading playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Abhijeet and Shaan expressed shock at the incident.

"I was very happy when he won the Voice of India contest. Such a fate to befall one at such a young age -- I have no words to express my feelings," said Lata.

She said Ishmeet had an original voice and did not imitate anyone.

Abhijeet, who was one of the jury members for Voice of India contest, said he was like a mentor for Ishmeet. Abhijeet said he recognised the talent in Ishmeet and other jury members used to accuse him of favouring him.

Shaan said he was shocked at learning the news of Ishmeet's death.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said the country had lost a 'gem' and a 'void had been created in the music world that would be hard to fill'.

Atif Aslam's Aadat vs Rock The Party MP3 Song

2008-07-29T03:39:00.001-07:00

Download Atif Aslam's Aadat vs Rock The Party MP3 Song (Exclusive)

DOWNLOAD:
Aadat_Vs_Rock_The_Party(musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

Aadat Dr.Zeus Mix MP3 Song

2008-07-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD AADAT DR.ZEUS MIX MP3 SONG

DOWNLOAD:
Aadat_Zeus_Mix(musikpakistan.blogspot.com).mp3

Zeb & Haniya's Debut Album Chup Complete MP3 Album

2008-07-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

Download Zeb & Haniya's Debut Album Chup High Quality 320 KBPS Rate.

Here Are the Links Below:
01_-_Chup.mp3
02_-_Rona_Chor_Diya.mp3
03_-_Kabhi_Na_Kabhi.mp3
04_-_Paimana_Bitte_(Pashto-Darri).mp3
05_-_Kahaan.mp3
06_-_Chal_Diye.mp3
07_-_Ahaan.mp3
08_-_Seh_Na_Sakay.mp3
09_-_Aitebar.mp3
10_-_Ban_Key_Touri_Jogan.mp3

SOURCE: allpakmusic.blogspot.com

Qismat Apney Haath Mein Complete MP3 Album

2008-07-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD NEW EXCLUSIVE MP3 ALBUM QISMAT APNEY HAATH MEIN FIRST ON NET

SONG LIST:

01 - Ek Baar
02 - Khul Kay Piyaar
03 - Qismat Apney Haat Mein
04 - Laga Reh
05 - Aankhien
06 - Quaid-E-Azam
07 - Zindagi Feat.Abida Parveen
08 - Janay Kahan
09 - Darwaza
10 - Baro Chal Tribute To Mai Bhagee
11 - Aankhien (Violoncello Version

Give your comments about this album

Shehzad Roy's album 'Qismat Apnay Haath Mein' launched at Karachi Central Jail

2008-07-26T02:09:00.000-07:00

From Saali to Juvenile Jail

The second coming of Shehzad Roy

There is a point when careers take a U-turn, well some at least. People change gears and make a turn and head in the opposite direction of what they are known for. With his new album Qismat Apnay Haath Mein, Shehzad Roy does exactly that. The album was launched yesterday at the Juvenile Jail that is a complex within Karachi Central Jail itself. And having been afforded a preview of the album by the star, Instep can see why that makes sense.

This is Shehzad Roy more political than he has ever been. Gone is the lover boy singing ballads, his album that the holler of a Pakistani man wondering what went wrong with us and why? It is hard hitting, yet fun and tongue in cheek. The video of 'Laga Re' that is on air now, marks a new image for Shehzad and is a magnificent comeback vehicle for director Ahsan Rahim.

Watch out for more on the launch and Shehzad Roy's new avtar in the coming week. With this one, Shehzad will sneak up and win both your hearts and minds. We're predicting this to be the surprise hit of the year, so do check it out.

Laga Reh by Shehzad Roy - New Exclusive Video

2008-07-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

WATCH THE NEW EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF SHEHZAD ROY'S NEW ALBUM QISMAT APNE HATH MEIN 'LAGA REH'.

Fawad Khan - Satrangi(OST) - MP3

2008-07-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

Download Fawad Khan - Satrangi(OST) - MP3

DOWNLOAD:
http://www.mediafire.com/?jjwuyz0mmmz

Lambi Judai (Jannat Indian film) VDO ft. Kamran Ahmed

2008-07-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Download now: Lambi Judai Feat Kamran Ahmed Video