Roxen’s second album to come out in India
Frontman Mustafa Zahid says record will not release in Pakistan
Zahid will also produce music for Mahesh Bhatt’s forthcoming film Dushman. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
Going across the border is common for Pakistani artists but it’s rare for them to land international deals. Mustafa Zahid, frontman of Roxen, has bagged the laurel in a career that spans little over a decade. After composing music for Bollywood films such as Awarapan, Murder 3, Ek Villain and Blood Money, among others, Zahid landed a deal with Universal Music India for his second album a while ago. But the catch is that the Pakistani band’s album will be released in India — not in Pakistan.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zahid shared the news that the band’s second album is in the pipeline. “We have been working on our second album for a while now and it is 90% done,” he said. “When it comes out is up to Universal Music India, which has planned a release across India,” he added, stating the album will not have a local release.
Roxen is a frequent sight in India and the band members are now gearing up for another week in the country, starting January 9, to perform in a concert. The event is scheduled to take place at the Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College in Calcutta on January 11. During his stay in the country, Zahid also plans on finalising details of a new project he is undertaking.
What’s brewing in the basement?
The project entails Zahid producing music for Mahesh Bhatt’s forthcoming film Dushman. Zahid and Bhatt’s association dates back to the release of Aashiqui 2, with the former having contributed songs to the film’s soundtrack. Speaking about the music for Dushman, Zahid shared, “I’ll have a clearer idea about it when I return from India. So far, I have no idea about the details. I have spoken to the producers and all I know is that it is happening for sure.”
Known for songs such as Tera Mera Rishta and Toh Phir Aao, Roxen also have to their credit collaborating with Enrique Iglesias for the song Turn the Night Up in 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2016.
Going across the border is common for Pakistani artists but it’s rare for them to land international deals. Mustafa Zahid, frontman of Roxen, has bagged the laurel in a career that spans little over a decade. After composing music for Bollywood films such as Awarapan, Murder 3, Ek Villain and Blood Money, among others, Zahid landed a deal with Universal Music India for his second album a while ago. But the catch is that the Pakistani band’s album will be released in India — not in Pakistan.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zahid shared the news that the band’s second album is in the pipeline. “We have been working on our second album for a while now and it is 90% done,” he said. “When it comes out is up to Universal Music India, which has planned a release across India,” he added, stating the album will not have a local release.
Roxen is a frequent sight in India and the band members are now gearing up for another week in the country, starting January 9, to perform in a concert. The event is scheduled to take place at the Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College in Calcutta on January 11. During his stay in the country, Zahid also plans on finalising details of a new project he is undertaking.
What’s brewing in the basement?
The project entails Zahid producing music for Mahesh Bhatt’s forthcoming film Dushman. Zahid and Bhatt’s association dates back to the release of Aashiqui 2, with the former having contributed songs to the film’s soundtrack. Speaking about the music for Dushman, Zahid shared, “I’ll have a clearer idea about it when I return from India. So far, I have no idea about the details. I have spoken to the producers and all I know is that it is happening for sure.”
Known for songs such as Tera Mera Rishta and Toh Phir Aao, Roxen also have to their credit collaborating with Enrique Iglesias for the song Turn the Night Up in 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2016.