As Ramazan approaches, industry feels void left by Junaid Jamshed's soulful naats

Although a plethora of artists will be releasing religious hymns, JJ’s soulful renditions will be missed

LAHORE: During Ramazan, many singers release naats and hamds to make the most out of the holy month. Even those who have been out of sight for quite some time resurface, and make decent money out of the small but significant window. Needless to say, the pack of Ramazan performers is getting bigger every year, and this time around, Momina Mustehsan proved to be the latest yet surprising addition to the list.

However, things are not the same as they used to be. One Naat Khuwan who regularly recited heart-wrenching hamds and naats is no longer among us – the Muhammad Ka Roza Qareeb Aa Raha Hai crooner Junaid Jamshed. Where his body of work has been impeccable, his absence can possibly leave an opportunity for the new and inspiring to make their presence felt.

Classically trained singer Ahmed Jehanzaib, who has previously rendered and composed Naat begs to differ. “Ofcourse, JJ’s absence is sad and it does leave a huge window of opportunity but I don’t see the youngsters filling the void,” he told The Express Tribune. “Not unless the new anchors and other TV presenters take a back seat and let Naats be recited by people who are trained to do so.”

However, he does believe that had JJ been around for a longer period of time, the industry would have been totally different state of affairs.  “JJ had recently started to get his head around the structuring and forms of Naat but the kind of artist he was, he could have easily revolutionised Naat as a genre itself.”

Things might have not gone the way Jehanzaib or for that matter millions of JJ fans wanted but still, ample number of compilations are under production. Besides the regular male singers such as Anwar Rafi, Shoukat Ali and Ali Badar Miandad, female artists including Humaira Channa, Shabnam Majeed, Humaira Arshad, Shahida Mini, and Naseebo Lal will also be releasing their compilations. “I will be releasing one hamd titled Ilahi Mujh Par Karam Kar De and one naat this month,” said Channa, who believes the financial incentive is secondary to her.

Having said that, she feels not everyone is as blessed or as driven as JJ. “Listeners would desperately wait for his releases and the kind of following he had made me feel he was God’s special servant. Not everyone can come up with such a unique and heartwarming signature so quickly in naat khwaani.”

Releasing religious hymns proves equally beneficial studio owners as well. Unsurprisingly, studios raise their prices closer to Ramazan and charge exorbitant amounts as well. “The business of releasing albums is going smooth and the entire Ramazan setup of the music industry is working night and day to ensure timely releases,” said music director Raza Shah.

In Shah’s opinion, the music business in Ramazan is a much focused case of demand and supply; people aren’t really bothered about the artist as long as they have something to listen to.

“It’s really upsetting how we have lost so many great singers such as Amjad Sabri and Junaid Jamshed. Junaid’s albums were always the best-sellers but that doesn’t change the fact that people are still listening to religious music. Perhaps, that’s the only form of music that is actually being sold.”

Majeed, primarily known for her work as a playback singer, has recorded a naat titled Baykas Par Karam Ki Jiye, which will release on various TV channels and social media platforms. “I know many artists like to release naats because they make a lot of profit in Ramazan but I have no commercial motives. I have used daf as the main instrument so it is very peaceful and easy on the ears,” she stated.

While most artists release religious hymns on TV and social media, there are a few like, Arshad of Mae Ni Boldi fame, who perform at religious gatherings as well. “I have been working on naats this year too and will also attend public events to recite the kalaam. I am not using any kind of music this time around.”

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