‘Ghoom Ghoom’: Swirling to a cause

Proceeds from Haroon's latest single will go towards rehabilitation of flood-hot people.

ISLAMABAD: Tis the season of giving — this Christmas Pakistanis are still reeling from the calamity that struck the country this past monsoon. Haroon Rashid, no stranger to the local music industry, decided to play his part in the rehabilitation efforts and donate proceeds from his latest single to the flood survivors.

A former member of the band Awaz, the singer has continued his journey as a solo venture and has gotten national and international acclaim. His latest single Ghoom Ghoom, from his upcoming album “Haroon ka Safar”, resonates with the message of interfaith peace and tolerance.

The musician was inspired by Rumi when he was making the video for his single, which was shot at various locations in England and Pakistan. His video, and the song itself, is about the search for God around material landmarks such as cathedrals, mosques and synagogues only to find Him within the heart of man.

He joined the Superstars for Flood Relief — an alliance of local musicians looking to do their bit for flood victims– to offer his services for rehabilitation efforts.

“I am donating my music and service to this venture for it is a truly noble cause. We all must do our part in helping our fellow brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” Rashid told The Express Tribune.  All proceeds from the song, including iTunes and concerts, will be donated for the flood survivors.

The initiative of Superstars for Flood Relief was started by Rahim Lalani in August, in response to the devastating floods that hit the country.

It provides a more festive outlet for donations as some of the most prominent names from the music industry, including Strings, Abida Parveen, EP, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Josh and Ahsan Ali from Chote Ustad, have donated their music for the cause. Revenue collected from the music donated is then forwarded to various organisations working towards flood relief. So let this Christmas be festive and full of life while still keeping the plight of
the flood victims at the back of our minds.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2010.