Emerging singer Rameez Khalid talks about child abuse in new song
I always felt that this topic (of child abuse) is very important that needs to be addressed, says Khalid
PHOTO: PUBLICITY
KARACHI:
With the music landscape dominated by songs about love and loss, it’s rare that we see artists dealing with serious issues.
Rameez Khalid may not be the name one thinks of right off the start, but the emerging talent has been gained considerable attention for his new song which highlights child and physical abuse.
Documentary highlights dilemmas of child sexual abuse in Pakistan
The emerging singer was initially under the mentorship of Ustad Salamat Ali and Ustad Nafeed Ahmed (at Napa). He also appeared on Cornetto Music Icons and was mentored by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His new song Bachpan is set to be part of his upcoming debut album.
“While composing this track, I had a few different topics on my mind. But I always felt that this topic (of child abuse) is very important that needs to be addressed,” he told The Express Tribune. “I discussed it with my producer Sarmad Ghafoor and approached my uncle (Zahid Rasheed) for the lyrics which worked quite well for me in the end.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiO_jozU1B4
The lyrics perfectly capture the agony of the silence of those who have gone through physical abuse. Words like “Tum hi to thay mere nigahban, chahoon main tum se hi panaah, zaalim apne andha zamana, yeh lub chup hain sab kuch chupana” sting the listener with the realization of what they go through.
While the song is not a reflection of his personal experience, Khalid believes “people who suffer usually don’t talk about it” and therefore it is necessary to raise this issue.
“I was very lucky not to have gone through such experiences. But as artists, it is on us to take up such causes. An artist looks at everything which happens in the society and has to express everything,” he said.
Hero turns villain: Here's why Ahsan Khan chose to play a child molester
Going back, Khalid isn’t someone who stumbled into music by chance. His family is full artists as well. He shared how the love and knowledge of art and music had always been present in his family.
“I felt this from a very young age that my family took it seriously. My mother is a poet, my uncle is a painter although they never wanted to take it up as a profession.”
Expressing gratitude for such a great start to his career, he said he couldn’t be more fortunate that he was able to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including performing alongside Junoon guitarist Salman Ahmed and working with Shahi Hasan of Vital Signs. “I was able to collaborate with these great names just because my mentors at Napa are the best music teachers of our country.”
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
With the music landscape dominated by songs about love and loss, it’s rare that we see artists dealing with serious issues.
Rameez Khalid may not be the name one thinks of right off the start, but the emerging talent has been gained considerable attention for his new song which highlights child and physical abuse.
Documentary highlights dilemmas of child sexual abuse in Pakistan
The emerging singer was initially under the mentorship of Ustad Salamat Ali and Ustad Nafeed Ahmed (at Napa). He also appeared on Cornetto Music Icons and was mentored by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His new song Bachpan is set to be part of his upcoming debut album.
“While composing this track, I had a few different topics on my mind. But I always felt that this topic (of child abuse) is very important that needs to be addressed,” he told The Express Tribune. “I discussed it with my producer Sarmad Ghafoor and approached my uncle (Zahid Rasheed) for the lyrics which worked quite well for me in the end.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiO_jozU1B4
The lyrics perfectly capture the agony of the silence of those who have gone through physical abuse. Words like “Tum hi to thay mere nigahban, chahoon main tum se hi panaah, zaalim apne andha zamana, yeh lub chup hain sab kuch chupana” sting the listener with the realization of what they go through.
While the song is not a reflection of his personal experience, Khalid believes “people who suffer usually don’t talk about it” and therefore it is necessary to raise this issue.
“I was very lucky not to have gone through such experiences. But as artists, it is on us to take up such causes. An artist looks at everything which happens in the society and has to express everything,” he said.
Hero turns villain: Here's why Ahsan Khan chose to play a child molester
Going back, Khalid isn’t someone who stumbled into music by chance. His family is full artists as well. He shared how the love and knowledge of art and music had always been present in his family.
“I felt this from a very young age that my family took it seriously. My mother is a poet, my uncle is a painter although they never wanted to take it up as a profession.”
Expressing gratitude for such a great start to his career, he said he couldn’t be more fortunate that he was able to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including performing alongside Junoon guitarist Salman Ahmed and working with Shahi Hasan of Vital Signs. “I was able to collaborate with these great names just because my mentors at Napa are the best music teachers of our country.”
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.