Pakistan decides pop and rock contenders in response to Xulfi’s poll

Ali Azmat and Strings turn out to be the two poles of the industry

KARACHI: “I believe there should be healthy competition. Whatever genre you like, you fight for it. You fight for your form of music and improve it,” said music producer Xulfi in an earlier interview with The Express Tribune.

“Since I’ve been involved in the mainstream music industry, I have seen a clash between pop and rock music. It’s been a friendly tussle for both, artists and the audience alike.”

After voicing his opinion on the clash between pop and rock music in Pakistan, the former Call band guitarist took to social media to ask his fans who they think represents each genre the best. Everyone poured in and stated their choices – some more passionate about the musicians than others.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Fans dropped many names such as Shehzad Roy, Ali Zafar and Atif Aslam for pop genre and Umair Jaswal, Noori, Call and EP for rock. However, the majority of fans leaned toward two names: Ali Azmat as the king of rock and Strings as the best representative of pop music in the country.

“I think both rock and pop music are an all-time favourite here. Within the two genres though, I think Ali Azmat rules rock while Strings is the best in pop!” one fan commented.

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Another wrote, “Ever since I’ve understood the art of music, I’ve seen Strings ruling the pop genre whereas Ali Azmat has always been the king of rock music.” Social media users showed massive amount of love for the former Junoon front man. One follower wrote, “We only have few rock-stars here with us, I love rock and for me Ali Azmat is the right choice.” Another user “There is no comparison between Ali Azmat and anyone in this country.”

Strings fans weren’t behind at all as many called it the “Pride of Pakistan”. One fan said, “Without a doubt Strings defines pop music, right down to their latest album. However, Ali Azmat has been effortlessly dominating the rock scene from the very beginning!” Another wrote, “Do you remember the time when Pakistani pop music started to get acknowledgment internationally? Well that was because of non-other than Strings. So back off all others!”

SCREENGRAB

One fan considered Strings a band ‘with a mature sound and beautiful lyrics’ and wrote, “Strings isn’t only the best band of Pakistan but also Asia.” He then praised the emerging bands, Bayaan and Karakoram, naming them as those who will “carry this legacy” (Even though Karakoram isn’t a pop band). Another stated Strings definitely “had no competition whatsoever within the genre of pop.”

In the interview, Xulfi had said it’s the musicians who need to inspire audiences to have a place in their hearts for our music. And it looks like Azmat and Strings have definitely done that in their decades-long career.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Xulfi also emphasised how friendly competition leads to collaborative progress and said, “A healthy banter between musicians helps the industry evolve.” While the Pappu Yaar crooner and Zinda hit maker have been declared as the people’s choice for pop and rock genre’s top representatives, it remains to be seen if we’re in for some “healthy banter” between Azmat and Strings.

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