Fuzon: A decade of soul music

Fuzon’s members talk about their 10-year-long journey.

KARACHI:

Many new musicians were given a chance to promote their creativity with the launch of Indus Music (IM) in early 2000. Fuzon was one of the innovative bands of the new millennium, as they gave us a timeless album like Saagar. Ten years have gone by but songs like “Teray Bina”, “Khamaj” and “Aankhon Ke Saagar” are still fresh in our memories and the credit goes to Emu, Shallum Xavier and their former band member Shafqat Amanat Ali. The year 2011 marks the 10^th anniversary of the three-member band that has made a significant contribution to Pakistani music.

It has been a turbulent journey for the band — controversies followed by a breakup and then the introduction of a new vocalist, is not what fans had expected from this band. And while many of the band’s followers think that Fuzon could have created miracles with the original line-up, the two founding members maintain that their fans remain loyal and are enjoying the music being created and released.

Controversy struck the trio when Ali left the band and chose to pursue a career as a solo artist. Even though the split took place five years ago, the ownership of Fuzon’s songs still remains an area of debate. “Some things didn’t work out between us so we asked Ali to leave the band,” state Emu and Xavier. However, Ali has a different take altogether; “I had a great time with Fuzon but bands disband all over the world.” Ali mentions that he is surprised that Fuzon’s other members have claimed ownership of some of the songs which the trio released. “I made ‘Ankhian’ for a Thai company called the Golden Key Company, ‘Khamaj’ is a very old song and ‘Thumri’ was composed by the Patiala Gharana, while I composed ‘Saagar’.”

While the ownership of “Saagar” seems to be a never-ending debate, Xavier and Emu now say that they have moved on with Rameez Mukhtar as the main vocalist. Mukhtar who displayed his vocal talent in the album Journey with tracks like “Neend Na Aaye” and “Suna Suna”, says his time with Fuzon has been full of good and bad surprises. “Every singer in the world is different and similar at the same time. I was never meant to fill in for Ali but the critics were after my life before even listening to my voice,” Mukhtar told The Express Tribune.

Mukhtar who worked at an advertising agency before joining Fuzon, likes being a musician and is very excited about future projects. Xavier and Emu, who have contributed their skills as session players for various artists like Junaid Jamshed and Strings to name a few, believe that they have achieved the fame and glory they set out to gain and now is the time to innovate and experiment and create some interesting music.

“We were playing in Kolkalta when people came and grabbed our feet and this was two years ago — what else would one ask for,” recall Emu and Xavier.

Fuzon has performed at popular concert venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium and after the release of Saagar was invited to tour extensively in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ali has made an impact as a playback singer in Bollywood and even though his solo album failed to impress many critics, his soulful voice still makes an impact around the world.

Overtime, Emu and Xavier have established their respective studios and Fuzon’s tribute album is set for a 2012 release. The tribute album will feature cover songs of some of the finest musicians of the subcontinent ranging from Ghulam Ali to Mehdi Hassan Khan.

Right now, Fuzon is on a two-month tour to the Scandinavian countries, where the band will perform songs along with a 64-piece orchestra. “Ten years went by so fast, and while there were times when we thought of quitting music, I guess it isn’t easy to let go of something that is a part of you,” says Xavier.

Memorable moments

2001

Fuzon is formed as a serious cutting-edge band, fusing deeply meditative ragas with rock and jazz.

2002

Fuzon release their debut album Saagar, becoming the first Pakistani band to release an album simultaneously, both in India and Pakistan.

2003

Fuzon wins the Best Emerging Talent at the Lux Style Awards, Best Composers Award at Indus Music Awards and the Best Ballad Award Indus Music Awards.

2004

Wins the Best Video for “Khamaj” at the Lux Style Awards.

2006

Shafqat Amanat Ali leaves the band and releases “Mitwa”, while Shallum wins the Best Guitarist in Pakistan at The Musik Awards.

2007

Emu wins Best producer in Pakistan at TV awards.

2008

Fuzon returns after six years with their second album Journey and new vocalist Rameez Mukhtar.

2010

The band is invited to perform at House of Blues in Texas, US.

2011

Chosen to be part as judges for national singing competition “Azme Alishan” and collaborate with American band Ari Rowland Jazz Quartet.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 01^st, 2011.