Music beyond borders

Pakistani musicians attending the launch of the flood relief song by Todd Shea, Lanny Cordola and Atif Aslam.

Pakistani singers and musicians attended the launching ceremony of the flood relief song by Todd Shea, Lanny Cordola and Atif Aslam on Wednesday. The event also highlighted the recent issue of plans to desecreate the Holy Quran in the US.

The song, which was written by Shea, features Cordola on guitars. The video for the song was shot in Swat. It is part of the Pakistan America Peace through Music Project which will feature Pakistani and American musicians working together on songs that will be recorded in Pakistan and the US.

Musician Ali Azmat, who was also present at the event, said, “I’ve always opposed US policies. But as far as middle-class Americans are concerned, they are themselves oppressed by the state policies. America is a country where people are hospitable, courteous and loving. A certain group is harming the middle class across the globe and its circle of influence has extended throughout America. The civil society has to take a stand now to save humanity.”

“We have to spread the message of peace through music,” Azmat said.

Also in attendance were Call’s Junaid Khan, Laal’s Taimur Rehman and Lanny Cordola.

“We are in a dire need of media support. The media features breaking news events and it should also promote the positive things happening around us. We are trying to convey a message of peace from Pakistan to the whole world and we hope it will bring positive results. We are a peace loving nation and this is what we want to promote about ourselves,” said Junaid Khan.

Slamming the recent call for desecration of the Holy Quran, Todd Shea said, “The conspiracy of Quran burning was condemned by Muslims and Christians alike. We are aware of the havoc caused by the recent floods. Since many copies of the Quran have been destroyed in the floods, we have provided copies of the Quran to flood victims.”

Talking about the song, Shea said, “We want to convey peace through music which is why we have invited Pakistani and American musicians and singers to work together.”

Yet another musical venture may be about to kick off soon. According to reports, musician and actor Ali Zafar has invited international singers Bono and Sting to Pakistan to perform and raise funds for flood relief efforts. Zafar, who is also a painter, returned back to the art after several years  to participate in a painting exhibition arranged by the Alumni Association of the College of Art and Design at Alhamra Art Galleries Lahore on September 20.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2010.