It is confounding how Taher Shah manages to attract attention. And he does so by grabbing those eyeballs, mostly, which are apparently not fans of his singing and song writing skills. His latest release Angel is proof of that. The moment it was released on the Internet, it went viral.

In fact, the word ‘viral’ doesn’t even begin to describe the way people started sharing and talking about it. It would be an understatement to say that the sharing had more to do with making fun of certain aspects of the song. To be honest, one needs a serious assessment of both what makes Taher Shah the way he is (oblivious or impervious to those who look at him disparagingly), and of those who unleash their humour and sarcasm salvos the moment he comes up with a video.

Isn’t it the duty of those in the media who waste so much time and energy on individuals like Taher S to look for genuine talent in the country, meaning those who don’t have the resources to come out with a video, but can sing without using an auto-tuner? Difficult question to answer, I guess.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 17th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...