Sit back, relax, plugin your earphones, turn on the song - and your wife will start talking to you.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Friday, August 24, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2012
Coke Studio 5: 'Ishq App Bhi Awalla'
Ok I am totally floored by the song. It is so melodious. I keep swinging to it.
Meehsa Shafi looks absolutely smashing in that dress. Really gorgeous.
The Chakwalis felt some what out of sync but this could be due to 'occasion fright' probably. Misha's voice provided the necessary calmness to it. Back up vocals of Zoe and Rachael Viccajis was excellent.
Where was Farhad Humayun on drums? He missed something phenomenal I tell you.
Too bad for the rest of the artists appearing in this episode after this song. No matter how good, they just could not match the finesse of this one.
A delightful treat from Coke Studio. The Chakwalis are in big time.
Thanks
Meehsa Shafi looks absolutely smashing in that dress. Really gorgeous.
The Chakwalis felt some what out of sync but this could be due to 'occasion fright' probably. Misha's voice provided the necessary calmness to it. Back up vocals of Zoe and Rachael Viccajis was excellent.
Where was Farhad Humayun on drums? He missed something phenomenal I tell you.
Too bad for the rest of the artists appearing in this episode after this song. No matter how good, they just could not match the finesse of this one.
A delightful treat from Coke Studio. The Chakwalis are in big time.
Thanks
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Zeb & Haniya
These days I am hooked to Zeb & Haniya, the female duo from Kohat in NWFP. Perhaps I am biased because they are from my province or perhaps they really are good... but the thing is that they are damn good! The first I suppose female group of Pakistan (?). Interesting thing is that I was aware of the hype about them for a very long time but had not heard a single song :p The first time I heard them was on a music channel and I thought 'hmm. nice'. Then came Coke Studio and I had the real taste of their music in the form of song 'Paimona'.
Anyways, I could not see all episodes of Coke Studio and now thanks to their website, I now know how much I missed! In this post I will be discussing their songs sung on Coke Studio, as a complete layman of course, or perhaps I would try to explain why I have become their fan!
First up is 'Rona Chorr Dia'. Zeb & Haniya are different not just in the fact that they are a female duo but also because of their lyrics. Instead of usual demure female version of love affair, their lyrics talk of independence.
'The Lost One has found her path (after dejection),
dare stop me!
I do not cry anymore!'
The thing to note in this song is the distinctive guitar playing of Haniya. Jawad Bashir starts the roller coaster and you feel like fastening your seat belts. Then it calms down and Haniya's guitar starts to strum. Zeb, Haniya and Jawad then set an excellent synchronizing act and the rhythm of the song sets in. Jawad seems ready to explode like a soda can, I don't know why he had to make such effort as I am sure he is all capable to handle situations. In contrast, Zeb was subliminal. Gumby, as usual, is best at drums. I have not heard the original number by Zeb and Haniya, in fact, I do not want to because I know Rohail Hayat must have done something really nice to it in Coke Studio.
Next in line is 'Chup'. The true talent of Omran 'momo' Shafique is visible in this number. Very catchy tune made even better by his excellent guitar playing. In fact, Omran seems to set the whole pattern of this song.
*salute*
Zeb is excellent on vocals. Why does she somewhere remind me of late Nazia Hasan? Hania's guitar playing, distinctive again, can be seen too. Full kudos to Rohail Hayat for that (he is the guy I should be thanking right? the producer?)
The third song is a slow number called 'Chal Diye'. Here again Zeb & Haniya pair up with Jawab Bashir. Do not think this song is no match to their earlier offerings. This one slowly and gradually grows on you and this is the one you'll be humming in the end.
The last number is 'Paimona'. In fact I had written about it when I did a post on Coke Studio. So here I quote myself :p
'' I was in anticipation of their song 'paimona'. I thought it was in Pushto! whereas it was in darri/ persian. At first I could not understand a word of the song as I was trying to figure out pushto words in it :p It was a nice slow number."
hmm. I did not say much I guess :p Well its an excellent fusion of the musical instrument 'rubab'
used mostly in NWFP and the mainstream music scene of Pakistan otherwise you would have had to hear it in local folk. Cant say much about the lyrics as I cant understand them : Unfortunate that after being host for 20+ years for Afghans refugees, I still cant speak Persian. What a loss.
Ok Zeb & Haniya, you have got yourself a new fan. Never knew a Peshawari would be talking of Kohatis like this :p
Good luck.
Anyways, I could not see all episodes of Coke Studio and now thanks to their website, I now know how much I missed! In this post I will be discussing their songs sung on Coke Studio, as a complete layman of course, or perhaps I would try to explain why I have become their fan!
First up is 'Rona Chorr Dia'. Zeb & Haniya are different not just in the fact that they are a female duo but also because of their lyrics. Instead of usual demure female version of love affair, their lyrics talk of independence.
'The Lost One has found her path (after dejection),
dare stop me!
I do not cry anymore!'
The thing to note in this song is the distinctive guitar playing of Haniya. Jawad Bashir starts the roller coaster and you feel like fastening your seat belts. Then it calms down and Haniya's guitar starts to strum. Zeb, Haniya and Jawad then set an excellent synchronizing act and the rhythm of the song sets in. Jawad seems ready to explode like a soda can, I don't know why he had to make such effort as I am sure he is all capable to handle situations. In contrast, Zeb was subliminal. Gumby, as usual, is best at drums. I have not heard the original number by Zeb and Haniya, in fact, I do not want to because I know Rohail Hayat must have done something really nice to it in Coke Studio.
Next in line is 'Chup'. The true talent of Omran 'momo' Shafique is visible in this number. Very catchy tune made even better by his excellent guitar playing. In fact, Omran seems to set the whole pattern of this song.
*salute*
Zeb is excellent on vocals. Why does she somewhere remind me of late Nazia Hasan? Hania's guitar playing, distinctive again, can be seen too. Full kudos to Rohail Hayat for that (he is the guy I should be thanking right? the producer?)
The third song is a slow number called 'Chal Diye'. Here again Zeb & Haniya pair up with Jawab Bashir. Do not think this song is no match to their earlier offerings. This one slowly and gradually grows on you and this is the one you'll be humming in the end.
The last number is 'Paimona'. In fact I had written about it when I did a post on Coke Studio. So here I quote myself :p
'' I was in anticipation of their song 'paimona'. I thought it was in Pushto! whereas it was in darri/ persian. At first I could not understand a word of the song as I was trying to figure out pushto words in it :p It was a nice slow number."
hmm. I did not say much I guess :p Well its an excellent fusion of the musical instrument 'rubab'
used mostly in NWFP and the mainstream music scene of Pakistan otherwise you would have had to hear it in local folk. Cant say much about the lyrics as I cant understand them : Unfortunate that after being host for 20+ years for Afghans refugees, I still cant speak Persian. What a loss.
Ok Zeb & Haniya, you have got yourself a new fan. Never knew a Peshawari would be talking of Kohatis like this :p
Good luck.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Coke Studio
Frankly, I was in anticipation of Coke Studio second season this year as the first one's brilliance had left me totally speechless. There is something about Coke Studio really.. it makes my hair rise and leaves me teary eyed! Ok I now am a complete certified 'infidel'.. but I have to admit its true! Anyways.. the latest episode was anything but marvelous.
First up was Jawad Bashir of Mekal Hasan Band. I tell you what. Listening to what he sang (of Nusrat Fateh Ali), you could feel as if you were calmly asleep in your bed in the middle of the night and suddenly a freight train passes adjacent to your home with no brakes on it! He hits you that hard! He is very underrated as a singer and in Mekal Hasan Band he gets overshadowd by the giant Mekal Hasan. It was amazing watching him singing 'aj latha naeeon'. The guy has amazing vocal dexterity. You have not seen anything like this before.. trust me.
Next up, was Zeb & Haniye. Ok I might be prejudiced as they belong to my province but they DO sing well and their songs are really nice. I was in anticipation of their song 'paimona'. I thought it was in Pushto! whereas it was in darri/ persian. At first I could not understand a word of the song as I was trying to figure out pushto words in it :p The song was nice but since Jawad Bashir in his previous song had brought the house down so it kinda felt too slow. It was a nice slow number.
Then it was the turn of Atif Aslam. Ok I admit it. I hate this guy. And thank God that I am not a girl! cuz otherwise I would have loved him! The guy has scores of female fans and if I were ever to write on topic 'why its good to be a man' then I would definitely put this reason at the top! I agree I do not compare with him at all when it comes to singing but the truth is.. he can't sing. He DEFINITELY has a different voice.. but he can't sing.
You guys must have heard his stint with Alka Yagnik in one of the Bollywood films, I dont know which one, but the song goes like 'Ba khuda, tumhi ho.. her jaga tum he ho'. I swear. It was a disaster. Alka seems to be spanking him in the song! She seems to be treating Atif like 'behave kid! this is not the way to sing it! Do it this way as I am doing it!' I want to hide somewhere when I hear that song because of the Indian drubbing that Pakistan received!
His song, ok it was nice. I bet Rohail Hayat, the producer of Coke Studio, must have done something otherwise he is not that good. Yes I am prejudiced! So what! its my blog!
Then it was the turn of our very own singing genius Shafqat Amanat Ali. I honestly cannot comment on him because otherwise it would be like I commenting on cricket of Geoffry Boycott. Seriously. This guy is good. 'Khamaj' is a classic of Fusion group. This version of Khamaj was even more stripped down with focus only on vocals and Shafqat is a pro at that.
Then it was the turn of Noori with Sayein Zahoor. It was weird really! The rock band and the sufi singer who sings at mausoleums. But the fusion went well with Hamza keeping his feet well ground in the end.
All in all a very nice episode. Music was excellent.
You can listen to all the songs of the episode at http://www.cokestudio.com.pk
First up was Jawad Bashir of Mekal Hasan Band. I tell you what. Listening to what he sang (of Nusrat Fateh Ali), you could feel as if you were calmly asleep in your bed in the middle of the night and suddenly a freight train passes adjacent to your home with no brakes on it! He hits you that hard! He is very underrated as a singer and in Mekal Hasan Band he gets overshadowd by the giant Mekal Hasan. It was amazing watching him singing 'aj latha naeeon'. The guy has amazing vocal dexterity. You have not seen anything like this before.. trust me.
Next up, was Zeb & Haniye. Ok I might be prejudiced as they belong to my province but they DO sing well and their songs are really nice. I was in anticipation of their song 'paimona'. I thought it was in Pushto! whereas it was in darri/ persian. At first I could not understand a word of the song as I was trying to figure out pushto words in it :p The song was nice but since Jawad Bashir in his previous song had brought the house down so it kinda felt too slow. It was a nice slow number.
Then it was the turn of Atif Aslam. Ok I admit it. I hate this guy. And thank God that I am not a girl! cuz otherwise I would have loved him! The guy has scores of female fans and if I were ever to write on topic 'why its good to be a man' then I would definitely put this reason at the top! I agree I do not compare with him at all when it comes to singing but the truth is.. he can't sing. He DEFINITELY has a different voice.. but he can't sing.
You guys must have heard his stint with Alka Yagnik in one of the Bollywood films, I dont know which one, but the song goes like 'Ba khuda, tumhi ho.. her jaga tum he ho'. I swear. It was a disaster. Alka seems to be spanking him in the song! She seems to be treating Atif like 'behave kid! this is not the way to sing it! Do it this way as I am doing it!' I want to hide somewhere when I hear that song because of the Indian drubbing that Pakistan received!
His song, ok it was nice. I bet Rohail Hayat, the producer of Coke Studio, must have done something otherwise he is not that good. Yes I am prejudiced! So what! its my blog!
Then it was the turn of our very own singing genius Shafqat Amanat Ali. I honestly cannot comment on him because otherwise it would be like I commenting on cricket of Geoffry Boycott. Seriously. This guy is good. 'Khamaj' is a classic of Fusion group. This version of Khamaj was even more stripped down with focus only on vocals and Shafqat is a pro at that.
Then it was the turn of Noori with Sayein Zahoor. It was weird really! The rock band and the sufi singer who sings at mausoleums. But the fusion went well with Hamza keeping his feet well ground in the end.
All in all a very nice episode. Music was excellent.
You can listen to all the songs of the episode at http://www.cokestudio.com.pk
Friday, February 29, 2008
Is Music Prohibited in Islam?
Is music haram?
Simply put .. No.
I have had discussions on forums regarding music in Islam and I thought to share some of them here. Music is considered to be 'evil'. It somehow induces devil-feelings in the listener. To quote the text from here.
My assertion is very clear. God clearly states what are the handiworks of Satan and advises humans to stay away from them.
5:90 - O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.
Tell me.. if music is so bad.. why did God forget it in this verse?
The argument raised was this
Another argument raised was this.
6:114 - Say: “Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail".
Also in the discussion the following verses were quoted to justify the prohibition of music. I'll quote them and let the reader decide whether they relate to music or not. You know my stance on these verses already.
31:06 - And there are among men, those that purchase idle tales, to mislead from the path of Allah and throw ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.
17:64 - Lead to destruction those whom you can among them with your (seductive) voice.
25:72 - Those who witness no falsehood, and if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable avoidance.
The thing is that nobody is allowed to prohibit or 'haram' and 'halal' things for humans. Its God's religion. It is He who decides what is better for us. No body is allowed to 'portray' that music is 'haram' in religion when its not the case. If you do not want to listen to music, more the better for you but do not impose this upon people as if religion prohibited it.
6:150 - Say: "Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so." If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them: Nor follow thou the vain desires of such as treat our signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.
Related Post:
- Dance, Music and 'kanjar'
Simply put .. No.
I have had discussions on forums regarding music in Islam and I thought to share some of them here. Music is considered to be 'evil'. It somehow induces devil-feelings in the listener. To quote the text from here.
"It is a the trap of shaitan by which he lures people to immoral acts. Indeed the essence of music, its causes, goals and effects all revolve around the songs of corrupt and immoral people, for music contains commendation of what Allah detests and boasts about what he dislikes. Music is a satanic voice that deeply penetrates the human heart and stimulates in it destructive desires, wreaks havoc on mans body and soul and fills his ears with obscenities."
My assertion is very clear. God clearly states what are the handiworks of Satan and advises humans to stay away from them.
5:90 - O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.
Tell me.. if music is so bad.. why did God forget it in this verse?
The argument raised was this
“why is rape not mentioned in the Quran? does that mean its okay.”No body can justify rape because its not mentioned in Quran. The example can be given of Cyber porn. It is not mentioned in Quran nor Hadith so does that mean one would let his/ her children do it? Of course not.
Another argument raised was this.
“Quran is a brief guide. More like a summary. Explanations come from hadith.”Quran counters this brilliantly where God states that His book is not a brief guide.
6:114 - Say: “Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail".
Also in the discussion the following verses were quoted to justify the prohibition of music. I'll quote them and let the reader decide whether they relate to music or not. You know my stance on these verses already.
31:06 - And there are among men, those that purchase idle tales, to mislead from the path of Allah and throw ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.
17:64 - Lead to destruction those whom you can among them with your (seductive) voice.
25:72 - Those who witness no falsehood, and if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable avoidance.
The thing is that nobody is allowed to prohibit or 'haram' and 'halal' things for humans. Its God's religion. It is He who decides what is better for us. No body is allowed to 'portray' that music is 'haram' in religion when its not the case. If you do not want to listen to music, more the better for you but do not impose this upon people as if religion prohibited it.
6:150 - Say: "Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so." If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them: Nor follow thou the vain desires of such as treat our signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.
Related Post:
- Dance, Music and 'kanjar'
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Dance, Music and 'Kanjar'
(Horrible title honestly)
Have you seen that program on an Indian satellite channel in which children show their singing prowess? Called Chotay Ustaad something, the kids are amazing. So much talent. The other night our very own Ghulam Ali was invited on the program. My interest was raised because a Pakistani maestro was invited on an Indian show. What always amazes me is the respect that singers receive in India and the regard and warmth that Ghulam Ali was receiving.. it was absolutely mind blowing.
And then I thought of ourselves. The plight that arts, artists and especially classical singers find themselves in Pakistan. In yesteryears when only PTV was on tube, a program used to get aired on classical music called 'Raag Rung'. And man we used to have a laugh! What the hell were those guys up to making weird faces and sounds! Totally boring program otherwise!
I know if I tell this to a certain friend of mine about the Indian program he'll say 'Wo to hain he kanjar'! That is really unfortunate. Music in our society still finds itself under taboos. The religio-socio mix has certainly kept its grip. Quran, of course, no where states that Music is 'haram'. It is not devils voice or its worship. And NO! music does not create devil-induced sensations in you! hehe! How dumb is that by the way?!
The children in India are taught dance and music! We here cant even imagine that! Leave alone music.. where the hell did dance come in?! thats the domain of 'maha-kanjar' I presume? If a program containing dance competition ever gets aired on a Pakistani Tv.. God help us! Hell would break loose. 'fahashi' and 'uryani' shouts will be everywhere. Will Nighat Choudry, Nahid Siddiqui and Sheema Kirmani's talents ever be recognized?
And I too am part of this society. All the lecture on music that I have given above, If someone asks me whether I will send my daughter for dance or music.. perhaps I will not. I might not be bound by religious aspects but would find it very difficult socially. But at least I will not treat others who are doing so as 'kanjars'. I know there are people who do and appreciate arts especially dance and music, I give them the same respect as I would to any other human being.
Oh this post hurts.
Check My Other Post
- Is Music Prohibited In Islam?
Have you seen that program on an Indian satellite channel in which children show their singing prowess? Called Chotay Ustaad something, the kids are amazing. So much talent. The other night our very own Ghulam Ali was invited on the program. My interest was raised because a Pakistani maestro was invited on an Indian show. What always amazes me is the respect that singers receive in India and the regard and warmth that Ghulam Ali was receiving.. it was absolutely mind blowing.
And then I thought of ourselves. The plight that arts, artists and especially classical singers find themselves in Pakistan. In yesteryears when only PTV was on tube, a program used to get aired on classical music called 'Raag Rung'. And man we used to have a laugh! What the hell were those guys up to making weird faces and sounds! Totally boring program otherwise!
I know if I tell this to a certain friend of mine about the Indian program he'll say 'Wo to hain he kanjar'! That is really unfortunate. Music in our society still finds itself under taboos. The religio-socio mix has certainly kept its grip. Quran, of course, no where states that Music is 'haram'. It is not devils voice or its worship. And NO! music does not create devil-induced sensations in you! hehe! How dumb is that by the way?!
The children in India are taught dance and music! We here cant even imagine that! Leave alone music.. where the hell did dance come in?! thats the domain of 'maha-kanjar' I presume? If a program containing dance competition ever gets aired on a Pakistani Tv.. God help us! Hell would break loose. 'fahashi' and 'uryani' shouts will be everywhere. Will Nighat Choudry, Nahid Siddiqui and Sheema Kirmani's talents ever be recognized?
And I too am part of this society. All the lecture on music that I have given above, If someone asks me whether I will send my daughter for dance or music.. perhaps I will not. I might not be bound by religious aspects but would find it very difficult socially. But at least I will not treat others who are doing so as 'kanjars'. I know there are people who do and appreciate arts especially dance and music, I give them the same respect as I would to any other human being.
Oh this post hurts.
Check My Other Post
- Is Music Prohibited In Islam?
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