Naseebo Lal to set up music academy

Folk, playback singer wants to give back to Rajasthani diaspora in Lahore

LAHORE:

Rajasthanis like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Pandit Ravi Shanker speak for the region’s inimitable contribution to the Indian subcontinent’s music. There’s something about the largely barren land’s cultural thrust that even the Rajasthani diaspora in Pakistan continued to serve music, producing towering giants like Mehdi Hassan and Reshma. Following their footsteps, many from the community tried their luck in the music industry and made a name. Folk singer Naseebo Lal is one such individual who despite not being an ethnic Punjabi, established her identity as the premier Punjabi folk and playback singer of our time. Though her career has largely been marred by the crises of regional cinema and the compulsion to sing all sorts of lyrics just to make ends meet, the constraints seem to have set the singer free.

Naseebo has decided to slow down on her playback singing career and take a break from putting out studio albums. She wants to give back to her community that resides in different areas of Lahore and in this regard, will set up a music academy for the underprivileged in the Garwastan neighbourhood of the city.



Talking to The Express Tribune, she said, “I think there is a lack of good music composers and songwriters. I’m not blaming anyone for this but at this point in time I want to serve my people instead of earning for myself. This is why I’ve kept my album releases on hold for now.” She finds it unfortunate that most young artists are not given the chance to showcase their talents, both locally and abroad. “It is my dream to send young musicians to participate in competitions across the globe.”

She said the Rajasthanis are among the standard-bearers of music in the region and that today many of them fail at pursuing a career in singing due to a lack of opportunities. “They are so talented but their skills are ignored. Singing is the family profession of most people in our area and this is why I want to set up an academy.”

Citing examples from her people, she said the Justin Bibis who made waves recently after a video of them singing Justin Bieber’s Baby went viral, are also related to her. “There are many like them. Girls like Farah Lal and Nooran Lal are waiting for a chance,” she added. Naseebo admitted the industry is going through a rough patch but feels it is the responsibility of people like her to take charge and steer it out of the crisis.

Things weren’t easy for Naseebo when she first made it into the industry. Initially, her family vehemently opposed the idea but seeing her passion, they gave in. “Because of my unique voice I was offered a lot of work,” she said. Naseebo claimed she is the first Pakistani singer of Rajasthani origin to have released 100 studio albums. “The support of my people has been crucial for me.”

Having herself faced adversity in the industry all her life, Naseebo said in order to improve the situation, it is important to overcome cultural barriers and eradicate gender stereotypes. “We live in an industry where fingers are pointed towards women only. I have been blamed for this [singing vulgar songs] in the past as well. However, this is how things are here ... it is not right to blame individuals for collective acts.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2016.

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