The video of VIP shows Pir in the shoes of a VIP, who has no empathy for the masses but also looks forward to abusing them. DESIGN: SAMRA AAMIR
After singing about the stereotypical Waderai Ka Beta and then throwing the creepy Taroo Maroo in the limelight, comedian-turned-singer Ali Gul Pir is now back with a third single, VIP. This time, as the name suggests, the track is about “very important people” or “big shots” who think they are above the all-so-ordinary awaam.
“It’s a very angry song — I feel the character [that has been portrayed in the song] had to capture the true essence of a VIP,” says Pir. “The song also shows the hopelessness of us ordinary people.”
The artist, who has been touring for the greater part of the year, explains how the idea of the song came about. Pir noticed the division of society amongst two types of people — the masses and the very important individuals. During his visit to the Wagha border, he saw that ordinary people had to stand far away from the change-of-guards ceremony, while the so-called big players, were seated in the front.
All of Pir’s songs have been character-based so far, which he designs and composes himself. For his live performances, Pir has three guitarists and one drummer.
“I am not a singer. Some people might classify me as a rapper, but my style of music is an extension of my comedy,” he continues. “My music is supposed to be very out there. I don’t do love songs — that’s not my style.”
The video of VIP shows Pir in the shoes of a VIP, who has no empathy for the masses but also looks forward to abusing them. Nicely produced, the concept is in true Ali Gul Pir-style — filled with sarcasm, satire but also an innate introspective feeling that the political and social culture caters to the few and privileged.
“We, the awaam, are not very important people, there is a thin line between security and harassing common people,” explains Pir.
Recently, Pir was in Lahore for a 14-show-tour in Punjab schools and colleges. His live act is one of the most diverse performances taking place currently in Pakistan, due to the fact that it is designed as a combination of stand-up, improv-comedy and music.
“I like doing my performances live because I feel that the audience should always take away something different from each performance,” he adds.
Pir has been working on several projects including Viral Saeein, which is an internet-based reality show which looks to find what could be the next viral sensation.
Speaking of going viral, Pir has been one of the many vocal artists that have called for the government to revoke its ban on YouTube. He says that the ban has created many difficulties for artists and that other platforms are not able to provide the same user accessibility.
“It’s a big loss, but still if the content is good then I think there is that chance for something to go viral,” he says. “I am working very hard, doing radio shows and morning shows, to make sure that I can push my art out to the maximum amount of people.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2013.
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@amir jafri: You are a complete case of "important individual" or "no-sense-at-all". This song is not about a cultural legacy rather it says a lot about the socio-political condition of Pakistan. Grow up! Lolz
@amir jafri: The fact that you placed Abrarul Haq in the same cadre as Alam Lohar and Eesa Khelvi, shows how inept a music commentator you are. If you don't like someone's music, change the channel!! What is good for your ears is not necessarily soul food for others. Ali Gul's songs are not about the music or rhythm, as much as they are about commentary and satire. The comedian himself claims he is not a musician / singer, but a comedian who writes and executes songs for dispersion of a message he feels strongly about.
this guy is very talented
The good thing about this guy is that he highlights the main issues of Pakistan and the corrupt administration and local problems people are facing because of them
@amir jafri: It is good to have a change We cant live just listening to desi stuff Their should be hip hop and rock and roll because music industry requires new talent !!
Our Artists have to do hard work to get to the audience they dont get famous easily here!! And performances only in school and colleges?? Why not in any arena and wide open spaces with huge crowds? thats the thing that irritates me alot that our singers dont perform in Open spaces and in Big Arenas :(
@ amir
your statement smells of jealousy. im sorry if you are not creative enough to highlight the issues the country is facing and in the process becoming popular. No harm. Take your negativity elsewhere.
Good going Ali Gul Pir. He highlights a lot of issues that confront the youth of Pakistan and shatter their self-esteem. A transition from north nazimabad to clifton feels like venturing into a whole new world. And honestly it is not the fact that these people can afford gucci while I am walking around in clothes made by my tailor, but rather the attitude of condescension that irks me. Infact what is more bothersome is people getting impresses by them and trying to be like them, the "pseudo-VIP's". Once long ago I went to a basant festival with some such acquaintances, at the gymkhana. There upon watching a bunch of guys on a motor bike who were trying to enter, one of them coldly commented, " kahin bhi chalay aatay hain, mailay log". Oddly enough another time when I went with these pople to Capri cinema, a not so VIP place, but one that had to be resorted to since the same movie was not showing at Cineplex any time soon, the same friend saw a similar posse of maila log joking amongst themseelves, and went , 'ye mailay log kahin aur nahi jaa saktay and itni maili baatain kar rahay hain".
This Song = Truth about Pakistan.
These third rate westoxicated colonial clones have no roots...you need alam lohars , abrar ul haq and Eesa khelvi...The ones who identify with the land...not these english-mediummonkeys.