It is indeed a good sign that a young singer with a strong musical background has released a top-notch single.

His name is Ali Safeer and the track’s title is Ya Illahi. Ali S comes from the renowned Gwaliar Gharana of Indian classical music, and musical giants Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Rajab Ali as his paternal uncles.

He has acquired training from Ustad Fateh Ali, which is why he seems to be aware of the technical finer points of the art of singing and unlike modern-day youngsters just doesn’t belt out a tune but does it with great care and affection.

He is a nice addition to the world of Pakistani music, and it’s up to him to build on his first song and get better.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 21st, 2014