Ali Zafar’s ‘Main Nahi Hoon’ is a transcendent fusion of Pakistani, Turkish musical influences

Remaining in vogue, cross-cultural collaborations between Pakistan and Turkey find expression in singer-songwriter Ali Zafar’s “Main Nahi Hoon.” Released on December 3, the latest record by Zafar adds to this vision of transcendence by enlisting Turkish performers and incorporating elements of Turkish folk music.

Lyricist and poet Shoaib Ali underscores the destruction of ego—the Sufi concept of Fana—in the song. The lyrics invoke Zafar’s realization of the connection between the human and the divine, reminiscent of D?w?n al-Hall?j. Opening with a fingerpicked acoustic guitar pattern, the song sustains the contemporary aesthetic that Zafar has maintained throughout his career.

However, the lead melodies on the flute in Maqam Kurd relay the first hint of the Turkish folk influence that will primarily dictate the compositional style of the track ahead. Following harmonization from a strong ensemble, the instrumental’s energy peaks right before the first verse and resolves as the violin bows halt; we hear the opening verses kick in  “Jo Mujh Main Bolta Hai, Main Nahi Hoon”, a statement of surrender to the divine.

A small chunk of string ensemble melody separates each mystical verse, symbolizing the oneness of existence and binding everything together. Zafar delves into South Asian Sufi thought, returning with Punjabi verses about Ishq. This move is perhaps an attempt to unite a thinker like Waris with a preacher like Al-Hallaj.