Pakistani Pop Music News - Download songs,latest music ,mp3,interviews,pop music

Falak ijazat OFFICIAL VIDEO HD

2011-12-30T11:38:00.001-05:00

Kya Huwa Tera Wada - www.aadeez.com

2011-12-28T10:41:00.002-05:00

Aalu Anday | Beygairat Brigade

2011-12-28T10:37:00.000-05:00

"Jee Dhoondta Hai" - FULL SONG - Music Album 'JHOOM'

2011-06-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

Ali Azmat - Bum Phatta 2011 [OFFICIAL] VIDEO

2011-06-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

Kirkir Kirkir, Sajjad Ali, Coke Studio, Season 4

2011-06-06T02:29:00.002-04:00

Ali Azmat set to unveil video for new single "Bum Phatta"

2011-06-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

Hearing Ali Azmat’s name, several thoughts usually come to mind. He has been called brash, foul-mouthed and even indecent. However, one thing is for certain, his artistic evolution from a Sufi folk vocalist to the alternative, progressive rock star has been nothing short of provocative.

“Bum Phatta”, which has been making the rounds online and been played at several live shows, has already been deemed a hit. The song’s dynamic appeal lies in the straightforward lyrics that, supposedly, explain the sentiments of the general, struggling public. “You can never know how the songs on the next album will turn out, but one thing is always certain, you always make them relatable,” said Azmat. “If I only write about love or heartbreak, it wouldn’t have a real impact on the ordinary man. The songs should reflect the times we live in.”

The photographs from the new music video have already been leaked on a major Pakistani music website showing Azmat emulating various political leaders, even revolutionist Che Guevara.

Azmat explained that his next album was ready, but needed to be edited. Due to the faltering economy, he plans to follow the growing trend of albums being released one single at a time. Since the album focuses on a song-centric approach, it is being produced at a variety of places, including the studios of Noori, Meekaal Hasaan and Gumby. “I have to do everything I can to serve the song. At the end of the day, the finished product is what matters,” said Azmat.

The sound for the album will follow the easy sound of “Bum Phatta”, which is considered less complicated than his last album, Klashinfolk. That album had created a stir with the introduction of a new progressive rock sound that had instant appeal with the rock fanatics of the country. The music videos for the songs “Gallan” and “Tanha Hai Kyun” had also featured politically-charged narratives. “Klashinfolk was very political and had many double meanings,” said Azmat.

Azmat’s political standpoints have created quite a stir with the result that his name is now in the headlines more for his political advocacy than his music. It is not rare to see Azmat debating or arguing with critics on online forums, such as Twitter, or on interactive television shows.

More recently, Azmat was seen participating with a group of musicians at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf dharna in Karachi. “I think people from all walks of life – be they artists or members of the civil society – who do not have any connection to politics, just wanted to get off their couches and take a stand.”

The politically-inclined Azmat seems to be a perfect extension of his long-haired Junoon days, still writing songs against the establishment.

“I don’t cater to the global narrative and have spoken out against the international interference in our country,” says Azmat, who plans to tour with his band to Australia later this year. “My ideologies and politics have changed since being part of Junoon. Pakistan’s case needs to be pleaded and its interests need to be safeguarded.”

All the attention that comes with Azmat’s political views, however, often takes the limelight away from his music. He says that the one thing that he’s been trying hard to do is become a better musician. A few months ago, he started relearning how to play the guitar in a leading music school, while also working on his song writing.

When it comes to making sure that his musical journey is adventurous and fresh, Azmat is almost borderline obsessive in exploring new genres. He has dabbled in jazz and the blues. “I’m always trying to improve. One of the reasons why Junoon ended was that after ‘Sayonee’, we weren’t really trying anything new,” said Azmat. “Music is supposed to be an adventure, and for that, one needs to keep experimenting with different things.”

Daanah Pah Daanah HD, Akhtar Chanal Zahri and Komal Rizvi, Coke Studio, Season 4

2011-06-04T12:34:00.001-04:00

Zoe Viccaji sings 'Bichra Yaar' in acapella with Strings

2011-06-02T17:51:00.000-04:00

Zoe Viccaji sings 'Bichra Yaar' in acapella with Strings.
Directed by Adnan Malik
Levi's ® The Originals Inspire
www.facebook.com/levispakistan
www.levi.com.pk

KALA SAFAID AASMAAN - ALBUM TEASER

2011-05-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

Releasing May 2011 - Keep Checking Muzikpakistan.blogspot.com for updates !

One of the finest underground band in Pakistan. It is an amazing album, In stores soon !!

Daanah Pah Daanah, Akhtar Chanaal & Komal Rizvi - Preview, Episode 1, Coke Studio

2011-05-15T12:20:00.001-04:00

NOORI reunion GIG ! - EXCLUSIVE

2011-05-11T22:26:00.000-04:00

Meri Zindagi - Faiza Mujahid [Official Video]

2011-05-10T18:37:00.000-04:00

Coke studio Season 4 begins May 22 2011

2011-05-07T21:57:00.002-04:00

Noori reunites ! Original Line up is back now !

2011-05-07T21:54:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, in the midst of all this chaos and disintegration, there is an instance of reformation and reconciliation. Sounds cheesy doesn’t it? But it’s true as hell!

As of this moment, noori officially stands reunited to it’s original four-man line up; as it was at the launch of their debut album, Suno Ke Main Hun Jawan. Ali Noor and Ali Hamza on Vocals and Guitars, Mohammad Ali Jafri on Bass and Louis John Pinto II a.k.a Gumby on Drums. This is one of those rare moments in music history where all the dispersed original band-members get back together, and no doubt it must be celebrated. Hence, the ‘Gig Not To Be Missed‘!

Strings Interview on Aaj Subah Morning Show - Mein tou Dekhoonga

2011-04-13T09:46:00.001-04:00

PakMusic.Net - 11th April Strings Interview[Aaj Subah Morning Show] from Pakmusic on Vimeo.

Strings talks about very interesting things, - Pakistan, its future and hope, and about their recent hit 'Mein tou Dekhoonga' which by many people is referred to as 'Unofficial Pakistan's National Anthem' Sit back and enjoy this great interview.

Atif Aslam Twitter account information

2011-01-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

According to his official fanpage:

No need to follow fake accounts of Atif Aslam on Twitter anymore. The superstar is all set to take Twitter by storm. The management of Atif Aslam has been able to get the official profile of the rockstar verified from Twitter! Atif Aslam finally has an official presence on Twitter! Start following him now. If u notice,... Atif just tweeted something, follow him now!!!

http://twitter.com/itsaadee

Laal - Meray Dil Meray Musafir - New Music Video

2011-01-23T14:11:00.002-05:00

Aamir Zaki - Tumhari Ankhon Mein (Official Video Promo)

2011-01-23T14:10:00.003-05:00

Aamir Zaki
Tumhari Ankhon Mein

BTS Footage - Fahad Shah
Promo Edit - Mohammad Saqib

Director - Hamad Khan
DP: Faraz Iqbal, Hamad Khan
Line Producer: Rafay Mahmood
Styling: Adnan@Nabilas
Gaffer: Zeeshan Ahmad

Coca-Cola in talks with MTV to launch Coke Studio in India

2011-01-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

NEW DELHI: Beverage maker Coca-Cola India is in talks with music channel MTV to launch its music property - Coke Studio - in India. Coke Studio is a music property that brings together different artists on the same platform - and is popular mainly in Pakistan. A Coca-Cola India spokesman confirmed the launch of Coke Studio but did not comment on the plans to tie up with MTV for the same.

"At this point, we can only confirm that we plan to launch Coke Studio- one of our flagship music properties globally- in India, sometime this year. We are in talks with several potential partners for the launch of this property but are not in a position to share any further details," he said.

First launched in summer '08 in Pakistan, Coke Studio is a television series featuring live music performances. According to information on its website, Coke Studio was over 400,000 Facebook followers.

According to a person involved with the developments, the beverage maker wants to make Coke Studio a platform similar to what its 'Limca book of records' - which compiles records achieved by Indians and has been created on the lines of Guinness book of world records. In 2002, Coca-Cola had tied up with MTV's rival Channel [V] to launch Coke [V] Popstars, a music talent hunt which had resulted in the formation of an all-girl band - Viva.

While Coca-Cola's other cola drink Thums Up has stuck to its macho positioning of dare devilry and the same brand ambassador Akshay Kumar through the years, Coca-Cola has used different ambassadors like Aamir Khan , Imran Khan and Hrithik Roshan . Thums Up leads the aerated drinks category.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/7315970.cms

Bol - The Movie by Shoaib Mansoor [Official Trailer Released!]

2011-01-23T14:08:00.003-05:00

http://www.bolthemovie.com/

BOL - Official Trailer

Zain-Ul-Abideen - Pooch Mera Kya Naam (Official HQ Video)

2011-01-23T14:07:00.002-05:00

Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga - Strings and Atif Aslam

2010-07-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

Atif Aslam at NY July 2010

2010-07-04T14:32:00.002-04:00

Video Coverage : Atif Aslam Live In Bahrain 2010

2010-06-02T16:00:00.002-04:00

ali zafar - rock kahani

2010-06-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

Watch Haroon's New Video 'Go Saabjee Go' Released Worldwide

2010-05-21T14:21:00.000-04:00

Watch New Music Video: Hadiqa Kiani - Az Chashme Saqi

2009-12-08T23:09:00.003-05:00

Watch New Music Video: Umair Shahzad – Torey Bina

2009-12-08T23:09:00.001-05:00

Watch New Music Video: Falak - Mahia

2009-12-08T23:08:00.001-05:00

Watch New Music Video: Abrar Ul Haq - Awein Na Kar Zulm

2009-12-08T23:07:00.000-05:00

Rahim Shah and Arieb Azhar Live in Concert - Birmingham

2009-12-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

Exclusive Coverage : Ali Zafar Performing LIVE in L.A

2009-12-03T19:59:00.000-05:00

Watch New Music Video: co-Ven - Ready To Die

2009-11-29T01:22:00.001-05:00

Watch New Music Video: JaL - Hamein Itna Pyar

2009-11-29T01:20:00.001-05:00

Exclusive Video : Kami Jee - Jeevan

2009-11-29T01:19:00.000-05:00

Watch New Music Video: Kostal - Jaan Jaaye

2009-11-29T01:18:00.000-05:00

Watch Music Vdo: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - OST Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishaan

2009-11-09T23:18:00.001-05:00

-Muzik Pakistan

Watch New Music Vdo: Overload - Mela Kariye

2009-11-09T23:17:00.002-05:00

-Muzik Pakistan

Watch Music Video: Suroor - Aao Souchein kay Kiun

2009-11-09T23:17:00.001-05:00

-Muzik Pakistan

Exclusive Video : Zohaib Kazi feat Nida Khurram - Raat Bazaar

2009-11-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

- Muzik Pakistan

Pakmusic Exclusive Teaser : TheBilz and Kashif - Against All Odds

2009-11-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

- Muzik pakistan

Kedaar - Coke Studio 2

2009-08-15T11:23:00.001-04:00

Video Ad : RBC desiFest 2009 - Toronto : May 30th

2009-05-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Promo : Zohaib Kazi - Raat Bazaar

2009-05-25T20:38:00.000-04:00

Exclusive: Atif Aslam's Message After Toronto Concert - May 16th

2009-05-20T23:36:00.003-04:00

eXclusiv Promo : eP's Comeback Concert - Karachi

2009-05-20T23:36:00.001-04:00

Watch New Music Video: Ali Sher - Anj Laagay

2009-05-14T23:31:00.001-04:00

eP - Entity Paradigm - Come Back Concert Karachi 09

2009-05-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Audio and Video - Zain - Chue Chue

2009-04-21T00:00:00.005-04:00

Exclusive Video : Akash - Rock Funda

2009-04-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

Watch New Music Video: Ali Haider - Hamesha

2009-04-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

PPP mobsters attack Shanaakht Festival

2009-04-20T23:59:00.003-04:00

Video: MHB, Mizraab and AaroH on Al Jazeera

2009-04-20T23:59:00.001-04:00

Shafqat Amanat Ali - Sab Keh Do

2009-04-20T23:58:00.001-04:00

Amanat Ali's album 'Kohram' released - Buy online

2009-04-20T23:57:00.000-04:00

Mauj performing 'Mona' and 'Khayaal' live on MTV Pakistan

2009-01-30T01:17:00.001-05:00

2009-01-30T01:11:00.000-05:00

Atif Aslam Lux Style Awards 2008

2009-01-22T22:08:00.004-05:00

Atif Aslam joined Shehzad Roy in paying tribute to a true Pakistani Legend 'Reshma' during Lux Style Awards 2008. He also sang 'Lambi Judai', one of the most popular songs of the legend in his own unique style. The legend blessed the superstar on the ocassion. Atif Aslam was as humble and down to earth as ever.

Part1

Part2

Ali Noor's Official Blog Entry: Ali Zafar - The Mysterious Angel

2009-01-22T22:08:00.003-05:00

Watch New Music Video: Shafqat Amanat Ali - Jiya Na Jaye

2009-01-22T22:08:00.001-05:00

Abbas Premjee - Jhoom Deewane

2009-01-22T22:07:00.001-05:00

Zameer's upcoming music video 'With You

2009-01-22T22:06:00.000-05:00

Download Audio: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Zindagi Ye [Dil Kabaddi OST]

2008-12-06T15:07:00.002-05:00

To download Rahat's latest song from the movie 'Dil Kabaddi', click Here .

Shafqat Amanat Ali's 'Shukriya Zindagi' of film 'Aashayein'

2008-12-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

Shafqat´s new song "Shukriya Zindagi" from John Abraham´s new movie "Aashayein" will be released soon. It's a beautful melody composed by the duo Salim-Suleiman, the music directors who also made "Yeh Honsla" from the movie Dor.

Video: Zameer Feat. Noori singing 'With You' in Oslo Mela

2008-10-30T19:57:00.000-05:00

Exclusive: Zameer - Win Or Defeat - Behind The Scenes

2008-10-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

Exclusive Video : Strings - Jago

2008-10-18T16:00:00.001-04:00

Exclusive Audio and Video : Streben - Afreen

2008-10-18T15:59:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Audio and Video : Shiraz Uppal - Pehla Pehla Pyar

2008-10-10T19:05:00.001-04:00

Exclusive Audio and Video - Aunty Disco Projects - Nazar

2008-10-10T19:04:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Video : Shami - Tu Kahan

2008-10-10T19:03:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Concert Video: Ali Azmat Live in Vancouver Complete Footage

2008-10-05T20:44:00.001-04:00

Exclusive Interview Teaser: Brian O'Connell out of seclusion

2008-09-28T23:27:00.000-04:00

Shehzad Roy shifts focus from much anticipated 'Qismat Apnay Haat Mein' video

2008-09-27T02:20:00.000-04:00

Playing it safe: Shehzad Roy shifts focus from the much anticipated 'Qismat Apnay Haat Mein' video

He's making a video for the romantic ditty 'Ek Baar' instead. Will the lack of corporate sponsors for edgy songs take the edge off our music?

Saba Imtiaz, Karachi

The massively popular 'Laga Reh' video by Shehzad Roy - which poked a satirical finger at how Pakistanis deal with the problems that are facing the country now, as well as highlighted the issues that are everyday headlines - was by far one of the best things to have happened on the music video scene in Pakistan. The next video was expected to be that of 'Qismat Apney Haat Mein' - another hard-hitting number that forces people to sit up and think about those who have wrestled our future into their own hands. However, Shehzad's planning to make the video for another song in the album first - 'Eik Baar'. 'Eik Baar' is one of his signature romantic ballads, songs that Shehzad has built his career on as a pop singer. However, the move does come as a surprise because one would expect another controversial video to follow up the first, as the 'Qismat Apney Haat Mein' video was being billed as a sequel of sorts to 'Laga Reh'.

So what's happened? Obviously, Shehzad wants to play it safe. While the 'Laga Reh' video has garnered more coverage than anyone would have thought of - there were no sponsors willing to touch the video. All that said and done, while it's understandable that there was earlier hesitation on the part of corporations, the video's become a massive hit. But if companies are still afraid, as the grapevine goes, to touch Shehzad's album, then it speaks double standards about a lot of things. Corporations don't refuse to air advertisements on news channels that portray the truth or lift the curtain from social ills hidden in society. Supermodel Kate Moss, after her cocaine bust, was dropped by almost every brand she endorsed - but the ones that stuck with her reaped the benefits when she came back onto the modeling stage, as much of a force as before. It also makes one think why Shehzad Roy wants to shift the focus - releasing 'Qismat Apnay Haat Mein' now would cement his sudden rise in popularity and make him a star.

But can one even blame the corporations? While many business dealings in the country are far from being white as snow, the hesitation does make sense. Can companies afford to offend higher authorities - given how our business environment is so fragile with the constant political turmoil? Probably not - but then there is no other alternative for musicians - and these are ancient, ongoing debates that do not appear resolvable.

However contrary to how it may seem like, Shehzad Roy's satirical video is not the first satirical production to air in Pakistan. The classic Fifty-Fifty'TV show in the '60s was a groundbreaker - which spoofed Pakistani culture to the hilt and made fun of anything and everything under the sun. Even in the repressive 80s, the TV serial Aangan Tehra, penned by Anwar Maqsood, directed by Farooq Qaiser and starring Shakeel, Bushra Ansari and Salim Nasir - the play subtly pointed out the harshness of the regime that had banned dancing or the economic crises of that time. That was aired on PTV - during the 1980s. And there are countless satire shows on TV now - from Hum Sab Umeed Se Hain' to The Reel News.

In this day and age, when companies in Pakistan are sponsoring musicals, risqué 'entertainment' events and obscure artists, it is a stark parallel that a musician who's album has been consistently selling since its release, has yet to land a deal which would make doing music like this commercially viable. It makes someone who has been following the music industry for over a decade now think that we are still stuck in 1997, when Junoon got banned from the airwaves thanks to the 'Ehtesab' video, 'Khudi' and Ali Azmat and Salman Ahmed's long hair. The media revolution has come - but if musicians and corporations still need to 'play it safe' then what has really evolved?

Nothing, one fears.

Can Pakistani music speak louder than guns? - By Mark Levine

2008-09-27T02:18:00.002-04:00

Can music speak louder than guns?

By Mark LeVine

The information for this article was extracted from the author’s topical book – ‘Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam’.

This piece was written exclusively for TGK’s inaugural issue.

Driving into Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), there is a sign on the road that welcomes you to ‘The land of hospitality’.

This is not what I expected to find on my way to Peshawar, gateway to the region of the country controlled by the Taliban and al-Qaeda, where Osama bin Laden is said to be hiding.

But it's true nonetheless, at least part of the time.

For me, the main clue to understanding the contradictions between the warmth of the people in general, and the strikingly beautiful scenery across the NWFP and FATA, and the violence that has long plagued the region, lies in the beautiful new highway from Islamabad to the NWFP that, at least when I was last there a year ago, stops about half way between the two and becomes little more than a dirt road, passing village after village that seem poorer the closer you get to the border.

Whether during British rule or today, the unwillingness of central governments to commit to ensuring a humane level of social infrastructure and development created a fertile soil for grey-market economies, violence, and extremism of various sorts. When you add hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees to the mix you get precisely the tragic situation in which so many Pakistanis find themselves.

The NWFP is also home to some of the best rock n’ roll, not just in Pakistan, but anywhere today.

Indeed, since the 1980s, it's been home to one of the best record shops in all of Pakistan, whose owner has had a knack for finding the best music from the US and Europe almost as soon as it comes out and getting into the hands of eager local fans and, as important, musicians.

Most important for me, Peshawar is home to one of the best rock groups east of Berlin, ‘Sajid and Zeeshan’.

Apparently, Pakistanis were as surprised as I was to discover great rock n’ roll in Peshawar, since the day I first met them the newspaper, ‘Dawn’, ran a front-page story about the band that began by asking incredulously about the possibility of rock music in Pehsawar: "Peshawar is not a place known for being very music-savvy, and the idea of a band coming from there was surprising for many music enthusiasts."

Well, the same thing could be said about Pakistan as a whole from the perspective of most people in the West, and especially the United States. If Sajid explained over lunch in ‘Shiraz’, the best restaurant I've ever eaten in during my time in Pakistan, people from the NWFP are called ‘walnuts’ by other Pakistanis because they are supposedly; "Hardheaded or stupid. When we tour in other Pakistani cities, people actually ask us if we live in mud huts."

Sajid and Zeeshan's success has been hard won, and continues to be hard. "It can be terrible working here because of the poverty and violence, but it's our home," Zeeshan explained to me during a recent conversation.

"Yet if we thought we'd be bombarded by criticisms from journalists and others because we sing mostly in English (and Pashtu), in fact people are more open than that." But try recording when the electricity is off as much as 18 or more hours a day, or the army and Taliban are competing for control over your city.
It's often been said that conflict and violence produce great music, and I suppose Sajid and Zeeshan are proof of that. But it would be nice to hear what kind of music they can make in a ‘normal’ situation.

Peshawar's problems are, of course, Pakistan's. Everyone knows that the country was cobbled together out of four regions that had very little in common culturally and linguistically, and that the elite has succeeded in amassing a huge amount of wealth by ensuring that the vast majority of Pakistanis live in one of the world's most under-developed economies.

But despite the poverty and constant political turmoil, it's impossible not to feel Pakistan's rich cultural mosaic when you travel the country, and listen to the music.

Like most Pakistanis, I suppose, I was first drawn to the country's music by ‘Junoon’, whose music equally electrified and mesmerized me, bringing together Led Zeppelin and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in a way that I'd previously only heard in my dreams. But the music scene is so much deeper than ‘Junoon’, or ‘Vital Signs’.

It's hard for me to keep track in fact: Karavan's grandiose sonic assaults, the guitar virtuosity of Mekaal Hasan and Faraz Anwar and the way their bands blend hard guitars with lush, Qawwali inspired vocals, Ali Rooh's original mix of country music and Urdu melodies (now that's a combination I hadn't even dreamt of yet when I first heard it but can't quite get out of my head now..), the hard Sufi folk rock of Arieb Azhar, post grunge nu and progressive metal bands like ‘Akash’, ‘Messiah’, or ‘Orion’, and even harder bands like the extreme metal group ‘Halig Krinien’, the consummate hard Urdu pop metal groovers like ‘Aaroh’, or the enchanting yet haunting naats of Junaid Jamshed, one can spend a lifetime immersing oneself in Pakistan's best popular music and not reach the end.

Indeed, Pakistan's rock scene might well be the most sonically diverse in the world-certainly in the Muslim world the only place that comes close is Morocco, where rock, metal, hip-hop, Gnawa (Sufi), Berber and other styles have been percolating together for almost two generations.

What makes Pakistan's music even more special is that it has long had both a religious and a political grounding. It's impossible to hear any of the great rock singers in Urdu and not hear the Sufi/Qawwali grounding of their melodies. Even more pop acts like Haroon have a strong foundation in local traditions that raises their music above the kind of disposable pop that dominates the airwaves in the US.

When it's combined with the political impetus that has periodically popped up in Pakistani pop music, the scene really stands out. I remember Haroon playing me the video for ‘Mr. Fraudiya’ as we sat in his house. I kept thinking: "Why can't an American rock group attack the fraud and corruption of our own system with the same honesty and-as important-fun and creativity that Haroon and the other members of ‘Awaz’ were willing to do? Or Junoon's ‘Ehsab’? Or Sajid and Zeeshan's first Pashtu-language song, ‘Lambay’?”

What's most interesting to me about Pakistani rock and heavy metal is its honesty. When you look at commercials on Pakistani television, or stare at the billboards for luxury housing along the Arabian Sea, it's hard not to get angry at the fantasy portrayal of life in Pakistan that is constantly being sold to people who have no chance to achieve it.

While the country's pop music can be as cheesy as Brittney Spears or Hannah Montana, the rock music to me seems to hold a piece of Pakistan's soul inside it, helping, in the words of Salman Ahmed, to; "heal the country" even as many Pakistanis continue to think wrongly, according to most readings of Islamic law - that such music is haram, or forbidden.

However powerful is Pakistani rock, it can't save the country. As I watched Asif Ali Zardari be sworn in as President, I couldn't help thinking of Junoon's ‘Ehsab’, and how far the reality of Pakistan's politics and economy is from the ideals of Iqbal and the other founders of the country.

And the words of singer Ali Rooh, which he said to me as we stood in front of Iqbal's grave in Lahore, came back to my mind: "Mark, Pakistan is doomed unless we can return to our traditions of taking care of each other." Music can't do it all, but it's hard to imagine Pakistan moving forward without it.

The author is a professor of Middle Eastern history at ‘UC Irvine’ and a professional musician who has recorded and performed with many leading artists around the globe. Mark is the author and editor of half a dozen books, including the just published ‘Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam’ (Random House/Three Rivers Press) and the forthcoming ‘An Impossible Peace: Israel/Palestine Since 1989’ (Zed Books).

Coming soon: Ali Zafar's new music video 'Aag' [Dir. Rahim Shah]

2008-09-11T23:20:00.002-04:00

Ali Zafar is all set to release yet another video from his last album Masty. This time its for the song AAG and directed by Ahsan Rahim. The video stars Faisal Qureshi and Umaima along with Ali Zafar.

Watch out for more soon !

Video: Ali Azmat on Aag TV's 'Cell 224' show

2008-09-08T22:16:00.000-04:00

Part 1 : http://www.aliazmat.com/media/cell224/ali_cell224_part1.wmv
Part 2 : http://www.aliazmat.com/media/cell224/ali_cell224_part2.wmv
Part 3 : http://www.aliazmat.com/media/cell224/ali_cell224_part3.wmv
Part 4 : http://www.aliazmat.com/media/cell224/ali_cell224_part4.wmv

Music Pakistan

Will Pop prince Ali Zafar grow up to be a king?

2008-09-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

The boy who would be king

Pop prince Ali Zafar has proven at Coke Studio that his vocals go much beyond his love for Channo and his stint with Masty. Will the pop prince grow up to be king?

Maheen Sabeeh, Karachi

Rohail Hyatt's magnum opus project, Coke Studio, managed to prove quite a few things about the music industry of Pakistan and its collective power.

The most surprising factor on the show had to be Ali Zafar, the young pop prince as he is fondly referred to.

There have never been any doubts about Ali Zafar's capability as a singer. For songs like 'Channo' and later 'Huqa Pani' and 'Rangeen' that put him on the musical map for the youth of Pakistan, other numbers like 'Aik Pal' and 'Jugno Se Bhar Ley Aanchal' - all of his debut record Huqa Pani - proved his mettle as a singer.

But Ali has mostly been about the young, fun side of music. His most successful songs are just that. Whether it is 'Masty' where he lived his childhood dream of flying or a Casanova in 'Rangeen', the videos and the music have been about the energy and youth of Ali Zafar. This factor made him one of the most relatable musical acts around for fans.

Veteran singer Alamgir once said that Ali Zafar is the complete package, with looks of a movie star and manners that make him a dream for girls and an inspiration for boys.

But beyond the youth, there is another market of Ali Zafar. The 40 year old age group and above who often attend his shows to see him belt out old hits of Kishore Kumar. Not every pop star can pull it off. But Ali Z has always managed with natural ease.

On Coke Studio, one saw Ali Zafar perform some of his most well-known, much-loved tunes. But it was 'Allah Hu' from Khuda Kay Liye OST that he sang with Tufail Ahmed that stunned everyone.

Ali matched Tufail in verses and hit notes that were powerful to the hilt and ultimately mind blowing.

It proved that of all the pop singers around, Ali Zafar is the only one besides Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, whose vocal range allows him expansion few can dream of.

Ali Z has the kind of voice that gives him an edge over most commercial musicians.

His last two albums, Huqa Pani and Masty, do show these vocal ranges but on a few songs. The rest are often dominated by the sound, and at other times, the bouncy nature of the songs themselves. That doesn't make his tunes any less interesting and powerful.

But, after two albums, it seems the time has come when Ali can turn towards a more serious side. It doesn't necessarily mean loose all the fun and charm that has now become the staple of Ali Zafar. But more songs like 'Allah Hu' that showcase Ali Zafar's voice than anything else, in all its power and glory, should ideally be a part of his new record.

After 'Allah Hu', he has entered a new league, which few can be a part of.

And fans have proven that they are ready.

On a poll conducted on the Coke Studio website, 75 per cent people voted for Ali Z's 'Allah Hu' as their favourite. On another poll, which was held after the 'Best Of' episode of Coke Studio aired, fans again voted for 'Allah Hu' as their favourite.

It was tripped-out and hypnotic and the entire Coke Studio team put together this number but it was the voice that was the defining factor for many.

"Ali Zafar was fantastic on Coke Studio. 'Allah Hu' was just impeccable. I didn't know he was capable of this," says Imran, a 24-year-old.

Another 21-year-old, Nida held the same view. She says, "Ali Zafar's songs are fun but 'Allah Hu' was like a different singer altogether, so mature, and so powerful. I was really surprised."

For musicians, experiment can often work out. After all, Huqa Pani was just that. Bollywood-meets-Arabic dance-meets-pop were some of the genres that defined it.

Ali Azmat's Klashinfolk maybe picking up slowly but hardcore fans have lapped it up. Even Ali Azmat's debut Social Circus, a 360-degree turn from everything Junoon ever did, worked out nicely for the rock star.

The latest example is of course, that of Strings who took a drastic turn from soft, sonorous pop to sharp, addictive rock and rewrote their own hits such as 'Jab Bhi' and 'Jab Se Main Ney Tumko' and took them to different levels altogether on Koi Aanay Wala Hai. And it worked out for them rather nicely.

Between Masty and Huqa Pani, Masty is the record that shows off the more restrained side of Ali Zafar. Songs like 'Janay Na Koi' and 'Aasman' are well-written numbers that work not just for their soft notes but for the words that bring hope and inspiration. The process has already begun for Ali Zafar and with Coke Studio, Ali Zafar showed off to the world what he's capable of… and its solid stuff.

The timing is just right. Music industry has collectively turned 2008 into one of the best musical years we've seen in a long time. From debut acts like Zeb and Haniya and Azal to veterans like Shehzad Roy, Ali Azmat and Strings, it's been a time of experiments, diversification and true-blue gems. And if anyone can add to these names on his own, it is Ali Zafar. So here's hoping that the third album shows us all more magic that Ali Z's vocals can create!

Source: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan - Saturday, December 30, 1899

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