Tag

BRIGHT YOUNG SPARK

Browsing
In Lahore

Aashir Wajahat

Not just another carefree 16 year old, Aashir Wajahat has been working as a child actor since the age of 9, having worked with his father producer/director Wajahat Rauf in Sauteli Maa and Karachi se Lahore as well as having recently launched his music career with a solo single Naya Raasta. Sana Zehra sits down with this bright young spark for quick tete a tete

How did you first realize that music was your niche?

Great artists, like Asim Azhar, Strings and Noori have inspired me a lot in my musical journey. I hope my music connects with people of all ages. I’ve been told by a really senior musician that my first song Naya Raasta sounds way too mature to be coming from a 15 year old. I’m not exactly sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Who helped you achieve where you are at today?

I told my father that I’m interested in starting my musical journey and he helped me get me an ustaad (master) to improve my skills. I learnt how to play different instruments, which led me to composing my first song.

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face being an upcoming artist in the music industry?

Tons! The market is very competitive and there are so many better singers than me. I have to work really hard to make a mark and do something unique.

What hopes do you have for your new song Naya Raasta?

I hope my single brings inspiration to all the young aspiring artists and of course that it is on everyone’s playlist.

How difficult is it to write your own songs?

I’ve always struggled with writing my own songs. For me, that is definitely the hardest part of composing any song.

Do you aim at trying to set your music/lyrics apart from the mainstream conventional music produced in the Pakistani music industry?

I think sometimes we try too hard to be different, hence, almost always end up losing the essence. I try hard to bring some uniqueness to a song or any cover song I attempt to do.

“I’ve always struggled with writing my own songs”

What genre of music would you be interested in working with that hasn’t yet been introduced in Pakistan?

I think most genres have been done in Pakistan but then the beauty about producing music is that you can play around and do something new every day.

Who is the one singer that you would dream to collaborate with and why?

I would love to work with Asim Azhar. He is one of my inspirations and who better to work with than your inspiration.

What insight could you give us on your next projects?

I’m working on Karachi se Lahore 3 releasing next year on Eid. Apart from that I will be releasing my second single soon, so stay tuned.

Continue Reading
By
In Lahore

Rafay Israr

At the young age of 17, Rafay Israr caught a lucky break working on Weekends with Mahira. He catapulted to other gigs, getting hired as a backup musician for top music artists, like Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Abida Parveen, Edward Maya and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Inspired by such top level talent, the ambitious young musician started writing and composing his own music. Rafay tells Sana Zehra about his recently released singles Sajni and Beliya

Tell our readers a little about yourself and how you stepped into music?

I ventured into music at the age of 16. As I don’t have any family member in the music industry, it was extremely difficult for me to convince my family. I was able to prove myself though, and they were able to accept music as a legit(imate) career.  Initially, I started singing at my school functions. Then, I did unplugged performances at cafes. From there my music journey progressed and I started getting concerts. So far, I have performed in almost 300 concerts all over Pakistan.

What’s your favourite genre in music?

I cannot actually choose a specific genre by saying “I love X”, but for me I love any melody that touches my heart and the tune is catchy. I think, if someone can easily sing along to your song then it’s working.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself touring with my band and performing all over the world. Watching the crowd lip sync with our songs is truly the best feeling in the world.

Tell us about your latest release Beliya and who composed it?

After my debut song Sajni, I have recently released my second single called Beliya and the response has been amazing. I composed it myself just like I compose all my other songs.

Recently, an Indian record label has signed me on. I’ll talk more about it soon!

What are your upcoming projects? Any new music videos or releases happening anytime soon?

I plan to release a couple of singles this year. Last year. I stopped doing shows and recorded my music so there are a lot of different flavours. We did a lot of collaborations with different musicians, as well and experimented with different genres. The next music video is releasing on Eid ul Azha and I’m super excited for it.

Do you think the music industry is evolving and is there scope for newcomers?

The music industry is stable and evolving. A lot of concerts are now being held so there is always a good scope for new musicians. Upcoming talent can’t complain about not having a platform because there are tons of shows promoting and supporting young talent. Things that are missing right now are music TV channels and record labels.

“Recently, an Indian record label has signed me on”

What’s your favourite vacation spot?

Santorini, Greece is my favourite vacation spot. I look forward to shooting my music video there in the near future.

“Upcoming talent can’t complain about not having a platform because there are tons of shows promoting and supporting young talent”

If you were offered to work with Bollywood singers, which singer would you like to do a duet with?

Umm the wish list is long though but, to name but a few, I’d love to work with Shilpa Rao, Neha Kakkur and Monali Thakkur.

A few words for your new fans out there?

I would like to thank all my fans out there for such an overwhelming response to Beliya and Sajni. To all those who have not heard my songs, listen to them and post me feedback.

Let’s stand together and support original Pakistani music! XOXO

Continue Reading
By
In BRIGHT YOUNG SPARK

Triple threat Social Activist/Lawyer/Socialite Saiff Akbar

Successful barrister Saiff Ali Akbar not only specializes in lucrative corporate litigation but also does a lot of pro bono work and takes on family law cases. Before entering law school Saiff used to act in theatre and was also the chair of debate during his university year in London. Saiff is seen at every party and makes our list of Bright Young Sparks for his NGO and pro bono work. Saiff is a part of the steering committee of NGO Careforhealth and used to be a mental health practitioner providing group therapy. He has done special projects for The Citizens Foundation (TCF) and did a massive research presentation and conducted research all over Sindh to include kindergarten level in TCF. Saiff is also working very closely with PILAP (Protecting and promoting the Fundamental Rights of the Citizens), which is public interest litigation association of Pakistan. Saiff has organised various mental health and law seminars as well. With PILAP Saiff has done work on the education system and water and he plans on getting the Sindh Mental Health Act instituted through their platform, Saiff is also on the management committee of Pakistan Lawyers Guild,  and on the side does pro bono work for Qaaf sey Qanoon as well as family law. additionally, he holds creative classes for a low income school near his house. One day, Saiff aims to open an orphanage as well. high achieving saiff chats with Sana Zehra

What do you like doing the most: law work, activism, socializing or partying?

Helping those who are in need, so I would have to say activist.

If you were offered a role in drama, what would you want to play an actor, villain or a pro bono lawyer?

Definitely the villain!

Have limited free time, how do you spend it?

Eat chocolate cake and sleep.

What is currently missing in our youth today?

I believe that the passion is there but the drive is lacking.

What is the biggest personal change you’ve ever made?

To be more confident and have faith in my abilities. I think our society is one that thrives on self-loathing and forces one to be overly critical of oneself so to accept yourself for who you are, in this day and age, is quite an accomplishment

How patriotic are you and how do you express it?

I’m extremely patriotic. I believe instead of wearing a shirt or a cap that says “I love my country,” one should actually help society and so I try to do the best I can with whatever resources are available to me. One of the reasons I came back after university was to try and help my country in whichever way possible. I have been very lucky with the people I have met since who have shared the same vision as me and helped me in progressing towards achieveing my goals.

In a relationship are you more of a “heart breaker” or “heart broken”?

Definitely the heart breaker

Are you a rule keeper or a rule breaker?

Depends on the rule

Most intense dream you ever had?

What exactly do you mean by intense dream? OnceI dreamt that I was the winner of Willi Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and just when he was about to hand me the keys to his factory, my alarm rang (fairly intense considering my love for chocolate).

Fantasy celebrity girlfriend and why?

Emma Stone–those eyes!

The government offers you an irreversible drone strike on one person with no physical harm. Who would that person be and why?

Drone Strikes are horrible. I wouldn’t wish them on anyone.

We always see you so smartly dressed. Who styles you?

(Haha) Thank you! I’m not cool enough to have a stylist but I definitely look up to my older brother (read steal things from his closet).

How would you describe your personal style?

Smart casual

Ever got your heart broken?

Well, Emma Stone still hasn’t discovered me yet so … yes!

Signature scent?

Legend Spirit by Montblanc

Continue Reading
By
Pin It