Devoting a sacred rhyme

Muslim folk singer, who dresses up like a Sikh rendering Sufi kalaams

LAHORE:

They say music has no language, yet it goes through from one culture to another. The sound of Punjab, in particular has melodies associated with the scared or devotional kalaams and folk music. Capitalising on the commonalities of India and Pakistan’s shared heritage, any musician can play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps between the two countries. Keeping this spirit alive, emerging folk singer Nasir Beraj is set to pay tribute to Sikhism by dedicating his third album to Baba Guru Nanak. Apart from Pakistan the album (also titled Baba Guru Nanak) will be released in Chandigarh, India and free copies will be distributed worldwide as an effort to develop friendship.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Beraj shared his sentiments saying, “Music is the only source that can make all the sects come closer as it is the language of love. It promotes brotherhood. Indian Sikh singers have performed Sufiana Kalam several times and recently Mika Singh also sung Lal Meri Pat. I am trying to prove that Pakistani singers also have venerations for all religious beliefs.”

Beraj, who is a Muslim, has adopted the signature Sikh’s get in veneration for his Sikh teachers. According to him, he was inspired by the Indian singer Daler Singh Mehndi. “Music is my passion and since Sikh’s are excellent musicians, I adopted their get up,” he said.  Having said that Beraj clarifies that he never faced any criticism for his look in Pakistan is appreciated wherever he goes to perform.

Beraj’s unique style of singing specifically that of matching the Bhangra beat, is the main reason for his popularity on both sides of the border. So far, he has released two albums, Siyasi Bhangra and DJ Walya. His song I Am Sorry from the Pakistani film Ishq di Jung and Mukhra Ohda Chan Da Tota became his claim to fame.

“I learnt singing from Shamsher Singh, who is brother of Meeka Singh and also taught Daler Mehndi.” He also told that Shamsher took him under his auspices after listening to his rendition of Guru Nanak’s Kalaam. He has also learnt from Talib Jafri and Supera Kalyan Puri who is also taught A R Rahman.

“My third album is also an effort to make my Ustad happy, as being a Muslim I want to dedicate something significant to my Sikh teachers,” he added. Nasir Beraj, who is gearing up for his fourth album Ishq Karakay, said that he has been getting opportunities in India as well. “Politicians of both the countries have never played a good role in developing friendship and now musicians are doing this job. I request all singers, especially folk singers, to not only focus on Bhangra but also promote poetry and message of the Sufis.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th,  2015.

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