Probably the first ever rap group from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Fortitude describe their sound to be a fusion of fast rap, groovy beats and “Pashto rap.”

The band comprises Shaxxx (Shahkar Alam Khan), Webster (Shumail Alam Khan) and Party Wrecker (Mustafa Kamal Khan).

Shaxxx, who is the main lyricist of the group, raps with an exceptionally fast flow and his experimental nature and affinity for R&B has led him to be nicknamed 'Fast rhymer'.

Webster is the mastermind behind Fortitude. As a music producer, his job is to mix and master the tracks, although he also raps and contributes to the lyrics.

With a name like Party Wrecker there’s not much else to say. As a pioneer of Pashto Rap, there is no underestimating Mustafa’s role. His aggressive style of rap with dashes of R&B thrown in makes him one of a kind.

In addition to Fortitude, he is also a member of a side project known as Project BX, where he works with other talented artists from Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview with Dawn.com's Shameen Khan, the band also spoke about their inspirations, their goals, and their sound:

Who or what inspires you?

“We are inspired and influenced by a number of artists both from this era and the golden era. We have a special interest with Pashto and Persian culture and this has been the foundation of our inspiration.”

What do you want your music to signify?

“Our music symbolizes a multitude of things mainly the image of Pukhtoon Pathaans. But it’s also about the unity of all Pakistanis coming together. We know music reaches the hearts of minds of many and is often stronger than words.”

How did you come together?

“We've known each other from school. We share the same vision, have similar taste in music and share a common culture. This has actually helped us a lot.”

What is your creative process like?

“We all have our individual style and when this combined it’s a winning combination of Pashto and English rap helped enormously by the beats produced by Webster. We don't copy or use any material from any other artist. Every song you hear from Fortitude has been compiled purely from our imagination.”

To listen to listen to the band's interview click here.

Opinion

Editorial

More pledges
Updated 25 May, 2024

More pledges

There needs to be continuity in economic policies, while development must be focused on bringing prosperity to the masses.
Pemra overreach
25 May, 2024

Pemra overreach

IT seems, at best, a misguided measure and, at worst, an attempt to abuse regulatory power to silence the media. A...
Enduring threat
25 May, 2024

Enduring threat

THE death this week of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who succumbed to injuries after being attacked by gunmen, is yet...
IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...