Talent hunt: Rohail Hyatt is looking for minority artists to perform the national anthem

The music producer took to Twitter to ask for suggestions

Music producer Rohail Hyatt is on the lookout for suggestions for artists representing Pakistan’s diverse ethnoreligious landscape to sing the country’s national anthem. Taking to Twitter, Hyatt wrote, “I’m looking for singers that best represent their provincial and minority communities in Pakistan. Please share any names and links that come to your mind.”

I’m looking for singers that best represent their provincial and minority communities in Pakistan. Please share any names and links that come to your mind. Thank you 🙏🏻

— Rohail Hyatt (@rohailhyatt) January 5, 2022

After a user rescinded with a well-known list of names, including Mai Dhai, Chakwal Group and Akhtar Chanal Zehri, Hyatt clarified that he was looking for more diversity. He wrote, “Looking for representation across the national spectrum to sing the official national anthem. We want to ensure every community gets represented.” 

Looking for representation across the national spectrum to sing the official National Anthem. We want to ensure every community gets represented..

— Rohail Hyatt (@rohailhyatt) January 5, 2022

After a Twitter user urged Hyatt to leave the composition by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla’s unaltered, the producer responded assuring them that “very special consideration” was being given to the original composition.  

The user tweeted in reply to Hyatt’s call for suggestions, “I really hope they don’t destroy the marching rhythm and grand orchestra of Chagla, a great old Pakistani master with equal command over western and Indian classical music. Hafeez Jalandhari’s lyrics are often both debated and lauded, but fewer people talk of Chagla’s genius.”

I really hope they don’t destroy the marching rhythm and grand orchestra of Chagla, a great old Pakistani master with equal command over western and Indian classical music. Hafeez Jalandhari’s lyrics are often both debated & lauded, but fewer people talk of Chagla’s genius. https://t.co/XFCLZJqZCF

— sabizak (@sabizak) January 6, 2022

Hyatt wrote in response, “Chagla sahab was nothing short of genius, indeed. Very special consideration is being given to his original score, which unfortunately is not usually performed exactly as it’s written. The arrangement he has crafted is awe-inspiring. Thank you for your well-placed concern.” 

Chagla sb was nothing short of genius, indeed. Very special consideration is being given to his original score, which unfortunately is not usually performed exactly as it’s written. The arrangement he has crafted is aww-inspiring. Thank you for your well placed concern 😊🙏🏻

— Rohail Hyatt (@rohailhyatt) January 6, 2022

In March 2021, Hyatt confirmed to The Express Tribune that he had stepped down from producing the upcoming season of Coke Studio, which is now being helmed by Xulfi.