Ajoka’s musical star

The Express Tribune talks to singer Fida Hussain, who has been associated with Ajoka theatre group for seven years.

LAHORE: At first sight, Fida Hussain seems too weak for the powerful ‘alaap’ and ‘raag’ that requires a great deal of stamina. But his singing flows with utmost ease.

The 27-year-old hails from a family of qawwals and musicians and has been associated with the Ajoka theatre group for the last seven years. The talented young singer has performed live, along with his company Khawar Ali and Hamnawa , during performances of Ajoka plays such as Bullha, Kala Menda Bhes and Dara.

The Express Tribune talks to him about his singing and future plans.

How did you start off your career?

I am from a family of qawwals and musicians from Sheikupura. Our family is known as the Sansaria family. My grandfather Saieen Allah Ditta played the flute in the much-celebrated film Heer Ranjha and I began learning music at home when I was seven. My mentor is Ustad Faiz Ali Faiz and for the last seven years I have been associated with Ajoka.

What are your future plans? What do you do when you are not performing with Ajoka?

We go to shrines all over the country and perform. Other than this, we are invited by different people and institutions to perform. I have performed at various educational institutions including the Lahore University of Management Sciences. I am also working on my first album.

What is your album based on and when do you plan to release it?

It is basically a qawwali album which will comprise sufi and folk poetry. I hope this will be released within five to six months. It will feature the poetry of Baba Farid, Nosho Pak Sarkar among others.

Have you received any offers for playback singing?

I haven’t received any offers from Pakistan to do playback singing although people in India have shown interest in inviting me. I am waiting for the right opportunity.

Have you thought about entering an Indian singing competition?

I thought about trying out for “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” but I was told I would have to stay there for six months. I can’t stay there for that period as I have several commitments in Pakistan which are really important.

Who is your favourite singer and whose poetry do you enjoy singing?

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahib and Tufail Niazi. I know many verses of Amir Khusro, Sarmad, Baba Farid and Bulleh Shah by heart and I like to sing them.

Do you feel there is enough remuneration?

I get paid Rs15,000 for a show - and there are six of us who perform. Sometimes we have to remain free for a month or two. I am happy with what I am doing but I would want to be paid more.

What are the dos and don’ts for singing?

I do riaz (practice) daily. I don’t eat rice and things that are bad for the throat and can affect my voice.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2010.