Pakistani Music and Songs

Music is undoubtedly the best way to express love and devotion for one's homeland. By the virtue of his talent alone, a musician can uplift the spirit of the nation. Music is undoubtedly the best way to express love and devotion for one's homeland. By the virtue of his talent alone, a musician can uplift the spirit of the nation. We have seen in the past how artistes such as the late Melody Queen Madam Noorjehan, Naheed Akhter, Alamgir and Junaid Jamshed among others sang patriotic numbers infusing a spirit of nationalism and love for the country amongst the masses.

Najam Shiraz is one artiste who has over the last decade made it a point to compose music for patriotic and social causes. With more than a dozen such tracks such as Aao Wahan Chalain, Hamari Pehchan, Gilay Shikway Sab Bhula Do, Shahpar, Peace For All, Hum Bolain Mohabbat Ki Zuban, Hamain Zindagi Se Pyar Hai, Ae Watan, the 1997 tribute to the legendary classical maestro Amanat Ali Khan, and a reproduced version of the national anthem already under his belt, the veteran singer's latest project is the album titled Iss Des Ke Rang Hazar. Interestingly though, the album remains unreleased even though Najam has already shot a video for almost every song.

The album kick starts with the title track, Iss Des Ke Rang Hazar, whose video is doing heavy rounds on the airwaves. Musically, it is a ballad decorated with mellow flute sounds and Najam's alluring voice coupled with verses soaked with love for Pakistan. In the video that is shot by Umar Anwar, Najam is seen touring throughout the country, portraying life in Pakistan and showing it in good light. The track has excellent musical arrangements that usually absent in most patriotic songs.

Humain Zindagi Se Pyar Hai is one of the strongest track on the album; both musically and lyrically. Najam's enthralling vocals fused with a passionate chorus makes this track a must listen. Kaam Kaam Aur Kaam showcases the dignity of work and labour. The video shows the energy and effort Pakistani engineers, doctors, IT specialists, labour such as electricians, mechanics put in to make the country prosper. On the other hand, Waqar Oocha is a tribute to brave Pakistani soldiers who are not afraid to lay down their lives to defend Pakistan. The video is a rundown of activities of the armed forces and the martyrs. The electric guitar influenced track seems to be engineered for Defence Day rather than Independence Day. Another song worth mentioning is Hawwa Ki Beti, a song based on women empowerment with the video being somewhat of a slide show of nearly every class of women; from social icons to those belonging to the lower economic classes, media personalities and so on.

The rapid increase in our population level is one of the most critical issues for a developing country like Pakistan. Najam has composed an awareness song on this issue entitled Qaum Abadi that talks about the implications of a high birth rate which and it's link to the progress of the country.

The funkiest video is, however, the Jawed Bashir directed Safai which highlights the significance of cleanliness for a healthy living. The track is composed by Jaffer Zaidi with lyrics penned by Sabir Zafar. Munshiat is a satirical look on all those people who are involved in the supply of drugs and Najam urges everyone to stay away from them. Other songs worth mentioning numbers include Matti ki mohabbat, Aage Kadam Barhao and the thought provoking album ends with Humari Pehchaan.

The album is a socially-driven, public-service oriented project by Najam Sheraz and tends to get a tad boring. Though musically not that strong, the album does succeed to achieve the target it had meant to. The album releases in mid-August.