Words of wisdom

US-based Pakistani singer Zafar Iqbal shares his two cents on local music

LAHORE: According to singer Zafar Iqbal New Yorker, the success of the Pakistani music industry has always been directly proportional to that of the films. In fact, Iqbal insists that music in the subcontinent cannot flourish until the film business does. The New York-based singer — who is currently visiting Lahore — spoke to The Express Tribune about the problems plaguing the local music industry.

“In India and Pakistan, music depends almost entirely on films. Songs are the basic requirement of Bollywood and Lollywood projects,” he explained. “Yes, our local film industry had been dead for a while but its recent revival is not yet appreciable as it will take decades to streamline. Releasing two or three hit films in a year is not enough,” claimed Iqbal.

Despite living in the US for the past 25 years, he has much to say about the current state of the Pakistani showbiz. For him, government support is the push needed to propel the industry forward. “Without help from the government, the music industry cannot come alive. The government should do something for the welfare of artists and singers,” he suggested. “Music is universal but in Pakistan, it is held within the grips of a few gharanas who restrict others from joining the industry,” said the crooner, who belongs to the Delhi gharana himself. “Things have to be changed! Music education should be made part of curriculum in colleges and universities but we lack a government institution that can implement this,” added Iqbal. The singer went on to highlight how most artists are merely copying songs instead of making their own. “Without one’s own creations, you cannot earn a good name in this field,” he said.

After releasing 13 music albums in both Pakistan and the US — including Pyaar Ki Khushbo and Jana Jana, amongst others — Iqbal has become well-versed in the nature of local music. “Songs are not the work of a single person. Pakistan is home to great young talent but there is no proper direction given to the children,” he said. “Musicians take years to hone their abilities. Youngsters should realise the importance of learning and making original content and the government must help them do so.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2016.

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