Karachi has been receiving concerts like summer showers, adding bliss to a pleasant music environment, thanks to Bodybeat which launched the 4th Unplugged edition recently. Ali Azmat took the stage for a rock-fuelled performance along with Omran Shafique (guitars), Gumby (drums) and Mannu (bass).

Azmat began with Mai Challa, Neend Aati Nahin, Yaaro Yehi Dosti Hai, the all-time favourite Mera Mahi Aagaya and Tara Jala. On the hardcore rock platter were Yaar Bina, Papu Yaar, Garaj Baras and Khudi Ko. The night drew to a close with Na Re Na.

“I’ve been busy with music shows and TV channel shows. As for releasing albums and songs, they’re all ready but artists are not getting any proper platform to release them. Everyone is now concentrating on composing music for films.

So will there be an album anytime soon? “What we can do is that make an album and free download pe laga dein (makes a funny gesture). We won’t make any money that way but at least you guys can say ‘chalo Ali Azmat ki naye album aa gaye hai’.”

“Videos have lost their importance these days. The day of the music video is kind of over now.

“There was a time I had 0.5 million members on my website but now I have about a million or more fans on my Facebook page, Instagram, etc. So, today the most important tool of promotion is social media.

“Pakistani videos and artists were doing well, but then they have all been taken over by Indian films. It’s not that we have adopted western culture or Indian culture but it’s not looking good, as you know we are in (a kind of) state of war. As soon as conditions improve in the country, music activities will restart.

“I’ll be on a tour of Europe that includes a festival in Oslo. Before that I have a few concerts here. And, there is work in progress for a new album. Then, I am shooting a movie next month.”

So will there be an album anytime soon? “What we can do is that make an album and free download pe laga dein (makes a funny gesture). We won’t make any money that way but at least you guys can say ‘chalo Ali Azmat ki naye album aa gaye hai’.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, August 30th, 2015

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