Fete de la Musique is French for World Music Day. As one can guess, this day originated from France. The country first incorporated it as a day of national importance in the year 1982 in Paris.
This day is celebrated on the 21st of June, on the longest day of the year and the beginning of the summer solstice. It has gained popularity worldwide and people from some 700 cities across 120 countries, including Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, the United States, and Japan celebrate the day by making all-night music celebrations, perform on streets and hold free concerts.
Pakistani music industry has made a long and hard journey to be where it is now. The songs that have come out over the years have made everybody fall in love with them; be it a moody teenager in love, a tired stay-at home mom or even an adorable grandpa.
Let me round up the top 10 gems of our country who have produced music so captivating that one cannot help but sing along to their songs.
Atif Aslam:
Atif doesn’t come from any formal music background. However, even without acquiring any musical training he is ruling many hearts with his sharp voice and versatile singing. His good looks are just a bonus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG67k-ICAaY
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan:
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is still one of the World’s most respected and revered singers. No one can surpass the glory and fame he received and continues to receive years after his death. He is a legend and has provided us with all heart touching songs such as:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vylYpYH6fOI
Ali Zafar
Ali has managed to cast the spell of his voice on millions of people with his mesmerizing voice and raspy tone. He has managed to make headlines not only in Pakistan but across borders too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lXV-osObw0
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan:
He is the king of our music industry. Be it Sufi, Pop, Rock, Classic, this bright star shines in all genres. His vocals are unmatched and his voice is the most melodic. He has earned a name world-wide and is the pride of Pakistan.
Shafqat Amanat Ali:
Shafqat Amanat Ali belongs to the famous Patiala Gharana. He was trained by the best of the best- his father, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. His voice has depth, style, projection, perfect rhythm, poise and ability to stay in tune. He is simply outstanding. He had started off as the lead vocalist of the Pakistani band Fuzön. Here is their super hit song “Aankhon Ke Saagar”.
Mehdi Hassan:
One of the most admirable singers in the world. He is said to be one of the most influential figures in the history of ghazal singing, also rightfully known as the “king of ghazal”. He was born in a musical family and thus started exploring his vocals at a very tender age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRG2XJcmhDc
Nazia Hassan :
Queen of pop, Nazia Hassan started her music career at the age of 10 and became the most prominent singer of her time in both Pakistan and India. Her professional career started when she provided the lead vocals for the song Aap jaisa Koi, a song that even after all those years one cannot help but sing along to. This song was just the icing on the cake as she continued to produce more and more captivating songs after it.
Sajjad Ali:
Sajjad Ali has a pure, honest and soul touching voice. His singing creates a magical aura all around. His smooth voice soothes your soul and the lyrics of his songs make you think that the song was just made for you. He started studying classical music after completing his F.A (12th grade) but also successfully delivered some amazing pop and rock songs too.
Madam Noor Jahan:
One can argue that she was the greatest singer of all time. She had the most versatile voice that the world has ever seen. If you listen to the patriotic songs sung by her, it would get your blood pumping and make you feel like you are ready to do anything for your country and nation. If you listen to the songs about heart break sung by her, you would feel like there is nothing other than sadness and misery in your life. Her powerful voice made her listeners feel what she wanted them to feel. Her voice cast a spell on her listeners in the best possible way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypygbQlTmbw
Abida Parveen:
Abida Parveen is often dubbed as the “Queen of sufi music”. She comes from a musical family and was trained by her father Ghulam Haider who was a famous singer and music teacher. No words can describe the soulful voice of Abida Parveen; she never fails to inspire her fans through her passionate and expressive singing.
These are names of some of the greatest contributors to our music industry. Several others have indeed made great contributions to make our music industry as successful as it is today.
