Bagga wants Pakistanis to dance on our own songs

Renowned singer and composer Sahir Ali Bagga has released his latest single, 'Mastani', a fast-paced track featuring an unexpected yet nostalgic pairing: legendary film star Saima Noor and newcomer Saniya Iqbal.

In an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune, Bagga discussed the musical thinking behind the song, his decision to cast Saima Noor, and his long-standing mission to revive Pakistani folk music within mainstream culture.

Bagga said 'Mastani' continues his signature method of blending new-age production with the foundations of Pakistani folk. "Whenever I make a commercial song, I add a folk angle to it," he said. "Folk connects with listeners who are 40- or 50-plus, but when I mix it with new music, both generations merge. That's how the generation gap breaks."

He praised singer Afshan Fawad, calling her the only Pakistani vocalist who can bring brilliance to every genre with her distinctive voice. He questioned why the Karachi music industry kept such a strong and expressive voice hidden for so long.

Bagga explained that the intergenerational bridge is reflected not only in the sound but also in the video. "I cast Saima Noor and Saniya Iqbal together - there is a full generation between them. When you watch the video, you can feel a completely different vibe," he said.

Saima Noor's appearance has drawn attention from fans, particularly as she has never featured in a music video before. "This is the first time Saima Noor has appeared in a song," Bagga said. "I wanted to experiment visually while keeping the cultural essence alive."

For years, Bagga stressed, he has intentionally created songs that resonate with Pakistani wedding culture, offering at tracks that can replace the Indian songs traditionally played local functions.

"I want our weddings to play Pakistani songs, not Indian tracks," he said firmly. "Our people should dance to our own music."

On whether the sound of Pakistani music has shifted with new artists and trends, Bagga said technology influences style, but heritage remains constant. "Technology changes musical colour, but our folk, our heritage, our legacy can never be changed," he said.

"Punjabi will remain Punjabi; Urdu will remain Urdu. You can mix them, but you cannot erase them." He argued that Western-inspired shifts are temporary. "Western copy runs only for a while. Real music that lives forever is our cultural music."

Reflecting on today's music competitions, including TV shows, he said: "In singing competitions, fast songs or rap don't define skill. Classical is sung so judges can hear progress." According to him, Pakistan's biggest issue is the lack of strong vocal identities.

"People sing well, but no one has a unique vocal tone. A hero's voice should sound like a hero. Classical is good, but music should feel good - not just surprise you with speed."

Discussing how trends evolve, Bagga referred to Fawad Khan's early music career. "There was a time when Fawad Khan had a rap band. That time ended, and he became an actor and writer. If he had continued music, he would have had to do Pakistani music because eventually, we all return to our roots."

He added that only culturally authentic music stands the test of time. For Bagga, the purpose of his music is inclusivity. "My four-year-old son listens to my songs, and a 90-year-old can enjoy them too. My music is for every generation. It is for Pakistan."