EMI Pakistan distributes royalties to music legends, their families

Lahore ceremony brings together prominent figures from music, entertainment industry

LAHORE:

Pakistan's rich musical heritage was celebrated in Lahore as EMI Pakistan distributed royalty cheques to some of the country's most renowned singers, composers and lyricists, as well as the families of artists who are no longer alive.

The ceremony, held at a local hotel, brought together prominent figures from the music and entertainment industry, including ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, composer M Arshad, singer Azra Jahan, actors Nisho and Rashid Mahmood, as well as several musicians, performers and industry veterans.

Royalty cheques were presented to artists and the heirs of some of Pakistan's most celebrated musical figures. The family of renowned lyricist Khawaja Pervez received his cheque through his son Yasir Abbas, while the royalty payment for legendary ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan was collected on behalf of his family.

Composer M Ashraf's cheque was received by his son M Arshad, while the family of celebrated tabla player Ustad Tafu Khan was represented by his sons Tariq Tafu and Sajjad Tafu. Royalties were also handed over to the heirs of composer Amjad Bobby, composer Wajahat Attre, composer A Hameed and lyricist Kaleem Usmani.

The cheque for legendary singer Shaukat Ali was received by his son Ameer Shaukat Ali, while special recognition was also given to the legacy of Ustad Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan.

The event was hosted by singer and EMI Pakistan representative Tanveer Afridi. Alongside the cheque distribution, guests were treated to musical performances by Azra Jahan, Hira Qaiser, Roohan Abbas, Faryal Ambar and Ameer Shaukat Ali.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of royalty payments in recognising the contributions of artists and preserving the legacy of Pakistan's music industry, while ensuring that creators and their families continue to benefit from their work long after its release.