February, 2010

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provided match fixing proves to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against alleged involvement of wicket keeper Kamran Akmal and medium pacer Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt on Friday made the startling revelation that ICC had provided PCB with the concrete proves of their alleged involvement in match fixing. Despite repeated questions, Ijaz Butt had refused to name the players.

On investigation, a highly placed official in PCB exclusively told Voice of America on the condition of anonymity that “the two players were wicket keeper Kamran Akmal and medium pacer Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan”.

Wicket keeper Akmal had come under heavy fire for his repeated fumbles on the Australian tour. Its worth mentioning that both players were dropped from the T-20 series against England recently played in Dubai.

When asked if the proves were so concrete, why PCB included Akmal and Rana in the initial list of 30 players for the T-20 world cup, the source said that “both will be missing from the final list for the T-20 WC.

The source further insisted that “PCB has announced an additional wicket keeper Zulqarnain Haider along side Kamran Akmal and Sarfaraz Ahmed in 30 initial players which indicates that Akmal would not feature in the final squad for T-20 WC to be played in West Indies in April.

Salman Ahmed is a busy man. He launched his biography, Rock ‘n’ Roll Jihad, last month and is currently caught up with a book tour and holding talks on music, Sufism and jihad. En route to India, he stopped for a very short while in Pakistan, and took time out to answer some questions.

The founder, lead guitarist, (now) solo vocalist and front man for one of the biggest rock outfits to come out of Pakistan’s music industry, Salman Ahmed has come a long way in the 25 years since the band first came into existence. From playing in a friend’s garage in America to becoming a goodwill ambassador for the UN, collaborating with Morten Harket and Mellissa Ethridge on a song, and lecturing at a university in New York, Salman Ahmed’s life has been far from ‘predictable’.

And he’s documented all of it in his biography. ‘It took me four long and lonely years to finish (writing) this book,’ he said, adding that, ‘Through (out) my life people have wondered why I chose passion over profession, music over medicine and led an unconventional lifestyle. I felt that Rock ‘n’ Roll Jihad would set the record straight… at least for now.’

Considering that this is the first book to come out of the mainstream music industry in Pakistan — where proper documented information on the industry itself isn’t readily available — and differences of opinion, regarding facts and/or version of events quoted are bound to happen among the artistes, was he concerned about the kind of feedback he would receive from the community? ‘Not really,’ Salman responded, ‘I’ve always followed my heart and my book tells stories of musical kinship, a spiritual quest and cross-cultural journeys. It’s a wide-angle view of Pakistan, India and America and I’m playing the role of the literary view finder… people can interpret the book as they wish.’

‘So far I’ve gotten some very encouraging responses from diverse people,’ he adds. He mentions Stanley Wolpert (author of Jinnah of Pakistan) and Krist Novoselic (of Nirvana) who ‘has reviewed it for The Seattle Weekly while Deepak Chopra has recommended it on his website.’

The book is also currently available in bookstores in Pakistan. Salman hopes that ‘young people will find the book inspiring, encouraging and uplifting and are encouraged to follow their dreams with an uncompromising passion.’

There were several questions that came to mind when reading the book regarding Salman’s projection of the artistes he has worked with. But when responding he prefers to skirt the specific issue being questioned and gives a very vague response.

For example, in the book he mentions discovering Ali Azmat as a ‘wedding singer’ when the crooner was a part of a band called Jupiters. In the book we are given the impression that Salman mentored Ali but when asked specifically that whether the time Ali spent with Junoon helped him to evolve into the artiste that he is today, Salman responds, ‘God gave us all the opportunity of following our passion for music. I hope that we have all evolved for the better, both as artistes as well as human beings. It’s important to live a holistic and balanced life and be at peace with the world and ourselves.’

Wise words, but they don’t give an indication of what he thinks of the crooner’s artistic capabilities.

Also throughout the book, we only see how Salman helped shape Junoon. Rarely has he credited any of the other band members (Brian O’Connell and Ali Azmat) for doing any of the songwriting or composition for the music the band released. ‘That’s because the memoir isn’t based on Junoon’s story, it’s looking at how music shaped my life and world view,’ responded Salman.

True but around 70 to 80 per cent of the book is about Junoon and follows the band’s evolution and growth along with Salman’s. Keeping that in mind, it seems unfair to push aside the contributions made by his band mates.

Interestingly, while Brian and Ali have not been mentioned with regard to Junoon’s music because the book is based on Salman’s life, they are mentioned when it comes to quoting personal incidents in their lives, especially related to love and marriage.

Salman was also very vague when giving his reasons for parting ways with the first mainstream band that launched his career, the Vital Signs.

While every other incident which led to Salman’s decisions that shaped his career is mentioned in vivid detail, his stint with the Vital Signs is mentioned in roughly four pages and we are given the impression that his departure from the band occurred over not only creative, but also ideological and monetary issues. But unlike other major events quoted in the book, we do not know what particular incident led him to part ways with the band.

When faced with this observation, Salman simply responds, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Jihad tells the stories of key people I came across on my journey — it’s not specific to any individual or group.’

It is common knowledge that Ali and Brian parted ways with Junoon a few years ago, leaving the third member of the band, Salman, on his own. Salman continues to tour and perform as Junoon — but since he started the band he can therefore continue to refer to himself as the band.

Does he intend to incorporate other full-time members in the future? ‘I’ve been performing internationally for years without Ali and Brian,’ says Salman, ‘and (performed) most recently with Samir Chatterjee (tabla), Yale Storm (violin), John Alec and Chris Tarry (bass guitar).’

He adds that these musicians performed with him at the UN General Assembly recently and are featured on his upcoming Sufi and rock album named after his book.

Considering the difficulties that musicians have to face when pursuing music as a full-time profession — piracy, lack of proper infrastructure and socio-political turmoil that affects large-scale concerts — does he feel that musicians today have to wage a jihad in order to follow their profession in Pakistan?

‘All of us have to rescue the word “jihad” from the terrorists and understand its true, positive meaning. Jihad means to strive against our ego and our limitations; to uplift ourselves as well as the poor, needy and downtrodden on our planet. True jihad will help us find our God-given purpose in life.’

These are no doubt words spoken out of sincerity and good intent, but true to form the artiste-turned-writer evades giving an unequivocal answer.

This is the 7th music video from JoSH for their hit single “Teri Aankhon” from the album “Mausam”.

LAHORE, Feb 20: The fashion extravaganza that gripped Lahore in the past several days came to an end with the fourth and final day of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week.

Nomi Ansari opened the event with his collection titled ‘The Circus of Life’ and both shocked and entertained by having midgets come on the ramp dressed in elaborate circus costumes. They walked, they rolled and they performed to the tune of the popular hit ‘My Boy Lollipop’. The models that came on the ramp acted a little silly posing and having fun with the choreography on the show. His collection, a radical shift from his previous monotone collection shown at the Fashion Pakistan Week last year, was a burst of extreme multi-color outfits with an interesting construction in his dresses. Designer Hassan Shehryar Yasin walked the ramp for him in an elaborate and colourful jacket and he accompanied designer Deepak Perwani when Nomi Ansari came to do his final walk on the ramp. . The collections that did not make as big an impact as some of the others that evening included that of Rogue by Memoona Mannan, designed by her children, Sundas and Faraz Mannan. They showcased their ‘Rebel’ collection and took inspiration from ‘Spanish matadors and Jodhpur polo players’ and was decidedly western in its appearance. The celebrities who walked the ramp for them included stylist Shahzad Raza, the owner of the local brand Stone Age, Shoaib Shafi and jewelery designer Shazia Deen. . Shaiyanne Malik showed her ‘Kama’ collection on the ramp which included skirts with a lot of layering. The models were styled in large, chunky, gold jewellery and although her collection was not revolutionary by any standards, did contain one or two outfits that stood out from the rest. Hair stylist Natasha Saigol was the celebrity who walked the ramp for her. . Sobia Nazir showed a somewhat confusing collection. Her clothes did not gel together into a singular theme and seemed to be picked out very randomly. Titled ‘Sequence of Bloom’, it was anything but that. She employed the use of handkerchief hemlines, printed fabrics, followed predominant trends in an unimpressive collection. What was disappointing to see was that her use of embroidered lace to border her garments looked rushed and lacked finish. Her collection was not suitable for the ramp. . The head of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council, Sehyr Saigol, who designs under the brand of Libas, showed her vintage collection. A stop-motion video of the collection directed by designer Yousuf Bashir Qureishi preceded the showing of the collection on the ramp. It showed ethnic design in slim and flowing silhouettes and predominantly circled around shades of deep orange, red, blue and beige. . Munib Nawaz was the only menswear designer to show that evening and he displayed a collection titled ‘Kushti’ which takes its inspiration from the sport that is so popular in the local rural region. A poetry recitation inciting the audience to ‘bring out the warrior’ within preceded the showing of the collection. The models walked on the ramp and engaged in subtle displays of territorial dominance. The collection in itself was predominantly composed of western wear suits and didn’t have anything to do with the kushti sport in itself. . One of the highlights of the evening was a collection by designer Sahar Atif who designs under the label of Saai. She showed a clean cut, flowing and elegant collection with an aesthetic that reminded one of a fusion of both Sonya Battla and Ayesha Farooq Hashwani. Her outfits were white, pleated, draped, contained voluminous flow, with a hint of pale gold fabric here and there and seemed to embody an absolute femininity. The surprise of the evening was a performance by local pop duo, Strings who joined the models on the ramp. The designer got a very big round of applause from the audience at the end of her show. . Also one of the better collections shown that evening, Maria B’s interpretation of ‘Urban Rajastan’ was a treat to watch. Some of the features of her collection included long shirt lengths, drop-crotch pants and puffed sleeves. Her collection was predominantly composed of beige and teal. It was well-constructed and showed not only innovative design but clothes that were wearable as well. Designer Feeha Jamshed walked the ramp for her. Maria B later appeared with her own daughter (who carried a Pakistani flag with her) and Feeha Jamshed and all three of them paid tribute to the country by displaying a symbol of the flag on a scarf tied around their hands. . The fashion week also had its own share of awards titled the Libas Fashion Awards. Handed out by Sehyr Saigol, they included ‘The Heritage Award’ to Kamiar Rokni for his dedication to reviving the heritage of the country. The ‘Less is More’ award went to designer Sarah Shahid from the Sublime label. The ‘Designer of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week’ went to Iman Ahmed of the Body Focus Museum who wasn’t present to receive it. The ‘New Designer’ award went to Ali Zeeshan.The ‘Best Female Model’ went to Nadya Hussain and the ‘Best Male Model’ went to Mohammad. . Hassan Shehryar Yasin ended the event in his signature grand style with an elaborate bridal collection, both men and women’s wear. It was dedicated to his grandmother, Mumtaz Jehan. The designer who is considered to have been the first to introduce fashion branding in the country wows by numbers and unique choreography and the sheer number of models who walked the ramp for him seemed to, in a way, signify the enormity of the fashion house in itself. His surprise celebrity for the evening was the Prince of Pakistani Pop, Ali Zafar who came in a glittering gold sherwani and sang a soulful single of his upcoming album. Both the designer and the singer received a huge round of applause with many members standing up for them. It was a grand end to an eventful fashion week.

Breaking News: Farhan Saeed of Jal band was found with pen gun at  Allama Iqbal international airport in Lahore, while leaving for Karachi for a concert. He mentioned that he didn’t know about it and a fan handed this over to him as a gift.

We believe that Farhan is not involved in any such activity and wish that conclusion turns out to be in his favor.

He has not been arrested and has been let go to Karachi for the concert.

As you all know Atif Aslam recently sang couple of songs for a Bollywood movie named “Prince” which starts Vivek Oberoi. 

One of the song “Tere Liye” sparked up a huge controversy, TIPS and Atif Aslam released their official verdict on the situation. Arun Nair, who represents TIPS marketing team made it clear that they would recall the first lot of CDs that have been dispatched for re-mastering.

They lived up to their promise and the lyrics of the song “Tere Liye” have been changed. Atif Aslam recently was in Mumbai and took the time to record the whole song. The whole album has been released and you can have your first listen right here.

Listen to the songs below:

Tere Liye:

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O Mere Khuda:

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Aa Bhi Ja Sanam:

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Entity Paradigm will be shooting the music video of the song ”Shor Macha.” All of the EP fans are invited to take part. “Shor Macha” is the voice of the young of Pakistan

Please contact Mr. Sikandar (production Manager) on 03224006482 for venue location and other details

For More Info – Facebook Event Page

The (now ex) lead vocalist of the Mekaal Hasan Band (MHB) seemed to take inspiration from the Spice Girl’s Geri Halliwell when he decided to quit his band a day after their second album’s (Saptak) official launch. What’s more is that he decided to break the news to the world — and to the band members whom he had not informed of his decision — by announcing it on a TV show on a local news network.

The singer’s departure from the band came as rather abrupt as only a day prior to the announcement he had performed with MHB on the launch of their second album, and till then everything between the singer and the band seemed fine.

The MHB band members seem only slightly bewildered at the singer’s decision and let down by him. Javed could have decided to part ways before the release of Saptak. Why wait to launch the album, a time at which the band is expected to tour and promote the album globally? Most important, why did the singer not bring his band mates into confidence before blurting it out on national TV?

Javed Bashir has enjoyed a relationship with the Mekaal Hasan Band for over six years. He also has a qawwali group on the side with whom he often performs. The Mekaal Hasan Band has previously performed with another vocalist (Ali Abbas) whenever Javed’s performance dates with his qawwali band have clashed with those of MHB’s. The band now intends to work and collaborate with a host of classical vocalists in their performances and in their third album, hoping that it would provide a wider scope for the band’s music and give it a whole new edge.

The Voice that ROCKED MILLIONS “Atif Aslam & Shreya Ghosal” For the FIRST TIME TOGETHER LIVE IN CONCERT IN CHICAGO…

Atif Aslam is the biggest superstar in the history of Pakistan. He is a versatile artist who’s ability to adapt and mould into any genre of music is unique and matchless. With a soulful voice and a humble presence, he continues to behave as a regular Pakistan guy off stage and an ultimate ROCKSTAR on stage. It’s his ability to sing any genre with absolute ease that takes your breath away. He is not only a naturally gifted vocalist; he has the ability to attract legions of admirers to his concerts. With a natural ability to perform and entertain, his live performances are a symbol of his charismatic presence that continues to win hearts world over. He is Atif Aslam, the most unique vocalist out there and to some, the best vocalist around.

Shreya Ghoshal is a well-known Indian playback singer. She has performed several songs in Bollywood, regional films and also for Indian soaps like Kasturi. Besides Hindi, she has also sung songs in Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu. She is one of the most awarded playback singers in recent times, with 4 National Awards and 4 Filmfare Awards to her credit. Till date, she has received 29 awards in all.

For More Information – Click Here

Hadiqa’s latest video “Jaanan” features pashto singer Irfan Khan.. Check it how these for the first time sing together in this Pashtoo track.