As I enter Shallum Xavier’s Point One Three Productions Studio, I am struck by the sense of zen and peace all around. The artiste welcomes me into his realm with an energy and warmth rarely found among people associated with his profession.

With pleasantries out of the way, we end up discussing what he has been up to. Then, as I listen to Shallum’s music, I’m left amazed by the diversity and energy portrayed in it. From the soulful Payam sung by Zara Madni to the jazzy and groovy Rung Ja for emerging singer Shabbir; his rendition of the eastern classical piece Baadar Ray sung by Bushra Ansari to several of his own guitar instrumentals and songs, it makes me realise his potential and capability as a true artiste.

Solo projects and a new Fuzon album are just a few things on his mind …

Shallum’s own composition, Beeta Hua Pal, featuring his controlled vocals, gives the feeling of traveling through space and time.

Keeping it folk-classical

I was most taken in by Koshak Dhwani sung by Humera Channa. The song is undergoing finishing touches at Shallum’s studio and is named after a raag, and is composed by Humera’s ustad. It grows on the listener which successive plays and has all the makings of a memorable track.

Shallum performs with Akhtar Channal Zahri at Music Merger. Photo: M. Farooq

Shallum says he has a lot of respect for Humera’s work, “Humera Channa has not been seen and heard in the mainstream for some time now. She has her own legacy in terms of fame and she is the only female Pakistani vocalist to have sung with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It is a privilege collaborating with her.”

Shallum’s team at the studio will also be responsible for the video concept and direction of Koshak Dhwani.

“Humera Channa has not been seen and heard in the mainstream for some time now. She has her own legacy in terms of fame and she is the only female Pakistani vocalist to have sung with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It is a privilege collaborating with her.”

Coke Studio

Shallum has been associated with Coke Studio, and recorded five songs as a celebrity guitarist. At CS, he has collaborated with artists like Abida Parveen, Humera Channa, Abbas Ali Khan and Javed Bashir among others. His experience at CS, brought about a lot of memories of working with the Strings duo, Khalid Khan the popular bassist and Baber Khanna with whom Shallum collaborated at the World Music Festival. He refrained from previewing his work at CS and prefers to let it remain a surprise.

Fuzon and Shallum

Shallum is perhaps the sheer brute force behind Fuzon. He is a hardcore band loyalist. With so much going on in his solo flight, he ensures that the band stays intact.

“Fans and followers of Fuzon will be happy to know that the band will be releasing its third and much-awaited album within the next few weeks, accompanied by a volley of music videos,” he informs, adding, “the fourth album is already in the works, with the band having recorded and mastered four to five songs.”

Speaking personally, Fuzon fans can hardly wait!

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 26th, 2014