Revival of International cricket gives Pakistani music industry a much-needed boost

Pakistani artists show their excitement for the revival of international cricket


Adnan Lodhi September 15, 2017
PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE: The revival of international cricket within Pakistan has created waves across the country, especially the music industry. It seems like many Pakistani singers have cricket fever, as they are all set to sing about the beloved sport, causing a new variety of songs to emerge.

“I am a guitarist who has performed around the globe and there is a trend within the western culture to play the guitar during a cultural event," Pakistani guitarist Sajjad Tafu told The Express Tribune.

He continued, "Following this trend, a few friends and I have prepared a guitar-based song related to cricket which has already made rounds on social media. It will be aired in the near future.”

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In a bid to do something unique, many famous Pakistani singers have started work on their ventures whilst others have already released songs. Such projects are bound to give the industry’s insiders a boost, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief.

Shabnam Majid shared, “I myself am an owner of a studio and have started preparing a cricket-related song which I’m hoping the public will like. I like watching cricket and it is one of my favourite sports."

"The song will be recorded at my studio of course and feature picturesque shots of Lahore. It will be released the next time a foreign team visits,” she added.

PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: FILE

After the Sri Lankan team was attacked, the Pakistani public has been pretty much deprived of international cricket, which subsequently caused music producers and singers to put a stop to cricket related songs too.

“Our business is strongly related to Pakistani culture and traditions. We suffered in the past when international cricket was banned, causing the singing industry to fall into a crisis,” said Raza Shah, owner of Sargam Studio.

However, that phase is now over and the music industry can finally recover, as singers prepare various songs whilst co-operating with talented lyricists to create something truly inimitable.

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“I am very happy about the comeback of international cricket. I have already contacted famous song-writer Altaf Bajwa for the lyrics. I don’t usually do such projects as it’s not my style but, like everyone else, I am over the moon," expressed Naseebo Lal. "I personally requested a music composer to start preparing a song which can hopefully release soon,” she continued.

There was a time when international cricket was at its peak within Pakistan during which many would croon Lahore Aye when international teams visited. Various other cricket related songs, which had been prepared specifically for such cricket events, would also be played.

Singer Tariq Tafu stated, “Lahore Aye has gained quite a lot of popularity in the past and the general public still listens to such songs. In fact, Lahore Aye would also be played at the cricket stadium when the international teams visited. I am now preparing another song with reference to our culture and cricket,” he added.

Festive spirits are high and celebrations continue throughout the country, especially Lahore, where people of showbiz are collaborating with TV channels to express their joy following the revival.

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