Hum bhi dekh sakte hain, apne dil ki aankhon se (we too can see, with the eyes of our heart) sings Kami of Suroor with M. Ali, delivering his trademark alaaps to complement the beautiful lyrics by Anwar Maqsood. The music is soothing while the words touch the listeners’ hearts.

Images on Sunday sat down with Suroor and spoke to the duo about the new track for the Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) and their upcoming music.

Q. How did you come up with the concept?

A. We put the idea before the LRBT management to generate funds, donations and charity for the eradication of blindness as it treats blindness free of cost all over Pakistan.

We also want to create awareness among the youth to contribute towards this noble cause and to donate generously as music is a very powerful tool to convey messages, especially to the youth. We strongly believe that every individual should contribute towards society and we being musicians are trying our best to fulfill this role.

Suroor did a song two years ago for the United Nations to highlight child abuse in Pakistan, and we won an award for the best video. Last year in December, we did a song based on the poetry of Allama Iqbal and the ideology of Jinnah while interacting with the students and youth of Pakistan and incorporating their comments in the video. Now, with this song for the LRBT, we are trying to use our music to the max for a worthy cause.

Q. How was it singing a track written by Anwar Maqsood?

A. Anwar saheb is the pride of Pakistan and it is an honour to sing his poetry. We felt the added responsibility to do justice to his beautiful, touching words and so we gave it our best shot.

Q. What’s the latest with Suroor?

A. Our last project, Sajna Ve, was an international hit. In less than a year, it has had over 3.5 million hits on YouTube and is being aired internationally. On a recent trip to Morocco, I saw the video on their local music channel and felt happy and proud on being a Pakistani. Lined up next is Mut Chup Raho, a classic number with Amir Zaki. Its video will be released on Eid-ul-Azha.

With the album scene not very positive in Pakistan, we have put our second album, Sajna Ve, on hold till the time is right to re-launch it here.

Q. Any further collaborations?

A. Suroor is always doing collaborations: we started off with Ali Haider and Najam Sheraz, then Amir Zaki, Wiam and now we are working on a new project to be out soon.