Youtube’s got talent

Many talented musicians and actors in Islamabad have gained popularity in the city and garnered a fan following.

ISLAMABAD: Many young, talented musicians and actors in Islamabad have gained popularity in the city and garnered a fan following.

But these aspiring performers find themselves restricted because of a severe lack of exposure. An increasing number of them have been turning to social networking sites and websites like Youtube or Facebook to market their work.

Uzair Jaswal, who is in his A’Levels, has performed in around 100 concerts in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Wah since he was 14.

He believes that the publicity he got through YouTube could have not have been achieved through television.

“I upload my videos on Facebook and YouTube and the appreciation I receive motivates me further.  I got 80,000 hits on my single ‘Yaheen,’” he said.

He added, “I only made it through to radio stations because I had great contacts, but artists who want to make it big really have to struggle in a small city like Islamabad.”

There are hundreds of videos uploaded by amateur movie makers, singers and actors. Some do it for fun, while others are more serious in their ventures with hopes of getting noticed by investors or international production houses.

Usman Mukhtar, a 25-year-old filmmaker, has made four music videos and three short films, Aasiya, Black Coffee and Was It Scary.

Mukhtar is yet to work on a commercial project, but believes it is not always about being on television.

“There is a common misconception that until and unless the product is on television, it is not worth watching,” he said. “YouTube is a good medium for promotion if used correctly. The feedback is constructive and international production companies keep a close eye on online talent.”

“You never know, someone from Islamabad might get selected by international talent hunters,” Mukhtar added.

Despite oozing with talent, the capital city’s moviemakers, scriptwriters, actors and musicians have no formal institution to turn to. It is often difficult for them to turn their passion into a full-fledged profession.

Consequently, many young artists choose to pursue degrees in mainstream subjects rather than acting, filmmaking or music.

“I am passionate about singing and have been struggling to find sponsors in Islamabad for the past four years,” Jaswal said.

“Islamabad is not like Lahore and Karachi, so no one will take the initiative to sponsor and promote young talent.”

Shahana Khalil, a radio jockey and actor, added that she refused to believe someone couldn’t make it in today’s world of technology. All one needs is the right amount of talent, she felt. “I think we live in great times with avenues like YouTube and Facebook. Talented artists can project themselves into the media and the wider world.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2010.