Alhamra Unplugged aims to make room for fresh talent

Arts Council follows in the footsteps of Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement

Following the soaring success of Coke Studio, numerous music projects such as Nescafe Basement have sprung up across the country with hopes to foster local talent. And, unsurprisingly, they have done rather well for themselves. The latest to follow suit is Alhamra Arts Council. Backed by the Government of Punjab, it recently launched a similar venture under the name of Alhamra Unplugged.

Eight songs are included in Alhamra Unplugged Season 1. While the music videos are shot in and out of the studio, tracks are sung by budding singers, most of whom are students. The opening ceremony was held at Alhamra Hall on April 1st and was attended by a bevy of entertainment personalities including actors, singers and other artists.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

The event was hosted by TV anchors Zarmeen and Zohaib Azhar, who lauded the efforts of Alhamra Arts Council Executive Director Captain (retd) Atta Muhammad Khan and project director of Alhama Unplugged Season 1, Abu Bakar Javed. While speaking at the event, Javed stated that this venture is a dream come true for him. “I am a Chartered Accountant by profession but music has always been my passion. This is why I came on board with this project and have successfully completed it,” he told The Express Tribune.



“The singers were selected through auditions across the country and being a music producer I personally judged the talent of singers,” Javed added. “I know the art of playing around 22 music instruments so I decided the instruments each singer would play their songs with.”

Appreciating the involvement of the government, he said, “No government platform has started such an initiative in the past. I am thankful to Alhamra Unplugged for giving them a platform and opportunity to polish the talent of these young singers and help them to become professional artists.” All participants were between 18 years and 25 years of age.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

He also expressed his willingness to take Alhamra Unplugged a level further and churn out more seasons in the future. Echoing Javed’s sentiments, Khan also highlighted the participation of the aspiring singers. “They all did a great job and the results they produced were way above our expectations,” he stated.

Legendary singer Arif Lohar, who was also present at the occasion, appreciated the struggles of Alhamra Arts Council in putting such a venture together and providing a platform to young music enthusiasts.

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