Independent musicians like Natasha Humera Ejaz, who also makes music under the moniker Stupid Happiness Theory, will continue to forge new ground, no matter how tough the road.
Independent musicians like Natasha Humera Ejaz, who also makes music under the moniker Stupid Happiness Theory, will continue to forge new ground, no matter how tough the road.
She began the year by releasing the beautiful single ‘God in Me’ with a stunning music video directed by Ali Junejo. As Natasha told Instep, it is a prayer song that explores spirituality. “It’s about figuring out what it means to know the truth and not know the truth and finding yourself and not finding yourself.”
She was also one of the voice artists in the film, Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor and featured on the soundtrack as well with two tracks; a cover of Nazia and Zoheb Hassan’s ‘Muskaraye Ja’ and the original ‘Paharon Se Agay’, with the latter co-written with Ahmed Ali.
This year, Natasha was also selected for the coveted Border Movement Residency (BMR) that takes place in Berlin for two months. Natasha’s Stupid Happiness Theory from Pakistan was picked alongside Phatcowlee from Nepal and Nigel Perera from Sri Lanka.
Speaking about getting accepted, said Natasha/Stupid Happiness Theory to BMR earlier this summer: “I always liked chasing opportunities that allowed my curiosity to remain an overbearing force in my life. It consistently helps in nurturing the child in me. Applying to BMR was a step in exactly that direction and words don’t do justice to the feeling of being awarded the privilege to participate in such a unique, tailor-made art experience. I plan on taking my time in Berlin to learn, unlearn and relearn. To observe, transcribe and ideate. And therefore write, record and release – all in an attempt to uncover more of this stupid ‘happiness theory’ we all like to chase.”
In 2017, BMR selected Karachi-based music producer Daniel A. Panjwaneey (also known as Alien Panda Jury who co-founded Sine Valley Festival in Nepal) as one of its participants. Border Movement Residency is created in partnership with Goethe-Institut, Wild City, Ableton and Musicboard Berlin.
Now back in Pakistan, Natasha took the stage in Islamabad as Stupid Happiness Theory earlier this month in Islamabad, and played a set that she described as one very close to her heart - in collaboration with Face Pakistan (Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education), which is founded by Zeejah Fazli.
Post-gig, Natasha took to Instagram and wrote a long note, in which she stated with gratitude: “I was lucky enough to be sharing the fruits of a very personal journey with confidants and strangers alike. It’s a very special feeling when you look up into the sea of people standing in front of you, dancing, moving. And to what? The musings of your idle mind? What an incredible thing to be sharing with people.”
Whatever Natasha /Stupid Happiness Theory does next, we can’t wait.
