Singing for a cause: Laila Khan to use her voice for peace in Tunisia, Africa

She will perform with 25 global artists; is first singer from K-P to be on this platform

PESHAWAR: Full of youth and enthusiasm, Pashto singer Laila Khan is performing with leading singers from around the world in Tunis this month. Her aim is to promote peace in a region badly hit by militant insurgency which started five years ago.

The 19-year-old singer started her music career three years ago with Pashto music and is associated with Latoon Production which promotes and brings new talent. She has performed most of her songs in Pashto and was selected from Pakistan to perform in Tunisia. For her tour, Laila is accompanied by Jouini Farhat from France and singer Fawad Khan; all of them are also working on an album.



While speaking to The Express Tribune, Laila Khan says, “Though, we come from different cultures, countries, and speak different languages, we will work for peace across the globe.” She adds they will perform at different festivals in Tunisia and spread the message to stop war. She states these efforts will help revive the rich culture and musical soul of Tunis.



“We will not stop singing and will spread the message of peace in the world,” the Pashto singer says. Laila proudly says she is the first singer from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to perform on this platform in which 25 leading artists from around the world are participating.

Commenting on the current situation in Pakistan, she maintains the law and order situation is getting better and peace is being restored throughout the country.

“I tried to learn more from seasoned artists and this will be helpful in bringing new innovation to Pashto music.”  Laila asserts there is a need to improve the quality of modern Pashto music.



“I will record the album for free and will not charge a penny as these people are spreading the message of peace around the world.” Pakistan has also suffered a lot and being a Pukhtun, I am proud to be a part of this mission.”

Currently, two songs from her album have been released, while the rest will be completed soon. Her album includes numbers like Stop War, Daaga Daaga, Zindagi, Lewane De and Hizza Ayunak. Her songs are generally a mix of Arabic and Urdu poetry. So far, Laila has performed in five concerts, while 25 more are on the cards.

The composer

Fawad Khan, Pashto singer, music composer, producer and owner of Latoon Production, has written the lyrics for Laila Khan’s songs. He told The Express Tribune, “The songs are dedicated to the children of Army Public School and all those who lost their lives in the war against terrorism.” He said the songs have been written in a way to promote regional unity and peace. Fawad added that they have received much respect and appreciation from the people of Tunis.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2016.