He needs us: Rohail Hyatt campaigns for singer Asad Abbas's treatment

Latter is suffering from double kidney failure and is in need of financial assistance

KARACHI:

Renowned composer and music producer Rohail Hyatt has made a plea on behalf of singer Asad Abbas, who is in dire need of financial assistance due to his ill-health. The performer, who was part of Coke Studio Season 6 (CS6), is undergoing dialysis “three to four times a week and 13 to 14 times a month,” because of double kidney failure.

Posting a message detailing Abbas’s condition, Hyatt took to Facebook to inform friends and fans, “The very talented folk singer Asad Abbas, who also appeared in season 6 of Coke Studio is in dire need of our support. To anyone who wishes to help him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. Thank you”

The Express Tribune reached out to Abbas on the number shared in the post, which is a call for help. The CS singer, while struggling to speak, managed to share with the outlet, “I am undergoing dialysis, mujhe doctors ne jawab dediya hai (Doctors aren’t hopeful). They say I need to be shifted to America for treatment, just like Alamgir.”

He added, “I am in need of financial assistance and I would urge the government to provide me that. I have no car, and a family to support. I have been suffering from this ailment for seven years and now, both my kidneys have failed. They tried to do a kidney transplant earlier but it was unsuccessful. I have also been a singer for Mekaal Hasan Band, won a Lux Style Award, a Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and I have served my country as an artist for many years.”

Abbas appeared in CS6 opposite Fariha Parvez for the song Mahi Gal – a folk number based on raag Malhar. His track was among the most highly appreciated songs of the season, which was a first to host many international artists.

Abbas hails from a family with a rich musical legacy. His grandfather, Mohammad Sadiq, and Mohammad Iqbal were pioneers of folk music in Pakistan, singing together since the inception of Radio Pakistan. Abbas’s brother, Ali Abbass, and cousin, Amanat Ali, are also accomplished folk and contemporary artists.

Abbas’s vocal abilities and body of work also garnered him a place in Mekaal Hasan’s Rivayat series. He boasts a music career spanning almost three decades and notably, emerged as a winner of the popular singing competition, Pakistan Sangeet Icon.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.