Pashto music albums to be released on Eid

Artists produce single numbers to keep themselves afloat in markets

PESHAWAR: With the onset of Eidul Azha, gaiety and festivity will inevitably be seen in the region. Many Pashto music albums will be released on the occasion, not only promoting local music industry but also causing a stir among music aficionados of the province, singer Nazia Iqbal said.

Iqbal said while there were no copyright protection laws, people did not purchase albums from marketplaces because of which sponsors were not ready to support artists. The singers only produce single numbers to keep themselves afloat in markets.

Talking about launching her album for which audio and video recordings have been completed, Iqbal said her album comprises 10 songs including Pashto ghazals.

“I will attract local music markets and the songs will be great hits there,” she told The Express Tribune.

Iqbal said giving voice to famous poets has always been a difficult task—they can only be performed after intense focus and diligence—a single mistake in the rendition of a ghazal can expose you to scathing criticism from writers and the public.

She also said singers always needed to work hard to maintain past grandeur of Pashto music. “The legacy is too great that needs to be maintained,” Iqbal added.

“Music has always been associated with our culture and we need to promote it within the boundaries of our traditions.” She also said new singers needed to be inspired by maestros of the past from the area instead of emulating artists from other countries.

“While there is no dearth of artists and singers in the city and region, there is a dire need of proper training and learning opportunities to produce high quality work,” Iqbal said.

The music of her new album has been composed by senior music composers, Shakir Zeb, Master Ali Haider, Ustad Nazeer Gul and Mass Khan.

The Pashto singer said all leading singers will bring out their albums, including solo, mixed and folks songs on the occasion of Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2016.