The music scene in Pakistan is full of promising artists, several of whom not only play quality music that’s exciting and visceral but also take it around the world. One such name is Asif Sinan, who has, over the last few years, quietly and effectively garnered a steady following, both at home and abroad, thanks to his unique musical style.
mUSICALnOTES
The musician takes his unique brand of music across the border
The music scene in Pakistan is full of promising artists, several of whom not only play quality music that’s exciting and visceral but also take it around the world. One such name is Asif Sinan, who has, over the last few years, quietly and effectively garnered a steady following, both at home and abroad, thanks to his unique musical style.
A musician with gravitas, Asif’s unique style of playing includes performing Indian classical on his guitar while making it sound like a sitar. The fusion of Jazz only adds more flavour to his musical pieces.
Sinan’s foray in the international arena includes an eleven-city US tour where he performed with various Jazz ensembles as well as gave solo performances. That was followed by performances in front of 17 heads of Islamic States in London as well as 150,000 people at the German Music Festival. He has also performed at the World Islamic Economic Forum in Dubai and the at the International Guitar festival in Mexico.
Just recently, Sinan was invited by the prestigious TEDx forum in India to showcase his unique guitar skills. He was one of the young leaders chosen to ‘Unlock South Asia’s Potential’. Instep caught up with him to ask him about his experience.
Instep: How were you chosen to represent Pakistan at ‘Unlock South Asia’s Potential,’ the TEDx forum in Secunderabad, India?
Asif Sinan: There is no denying that South Asia has a vast pool of talent in every area. However, South Asian countries do not necessarily have the structure or institutions to propel talented individuals. Forums like TEDx provide a space for exchange of ideas that can drive us forward. I was chosen for my unique work in the world of music and was honoured to be placed with another socio-political activist, Sidra Saeed from Pakistan, to talk about the groundbreaking work we are doing in our individual capacities.
Instep: How was your music received in India?
AS: My music was appreciated by all age groups. There was a flurry of tweets as I was performing on stage, linking my music to Coke Studio. People had a lot of fun and asked a lot of questions afterwards. The respect and warmth they extend to artists is just incredible.
Instep: Any interesting incident while in India?
AS: I had a reporting visa so when I went to report my arrival, a junior police officer asked me my profession and I told him, ‘musician’. Apparently he misunderstood me and replied excitedly ‘Oh, aap magician hain!’ The irony of his comment was not lost on my host or me and we had quite a laugh because I was due to speak on the topic ‘Fingers that Play Magic’ at TEDx. I didn’t correct the policeman and let him be happy at meeting a magician, which wasn’t very far from the truth (laughs).
Instep: You always travel with a truck-art inspired guitar case. Is it something you have crafted yourself?
AS: Since most of my performances are abroad, I am very conscious of my identity as a Pakistani. I love to tell people about Pakistan and this special guitar case represents our beautiful heritage. I worked with a local truck art craftsman with my ideas and drawings to bring this case to life! Sometimes I am almost jealous of my own creation since it gets so much attention! I almost missed my connecting flight from Mumbai since so many people wanted to chat about my guitar case and then about Pakistan. I am glad it exudes so much warmth and positivity about Pakistan.
Instep: What was the kind of feedback you got after your performance in India?
AS: There was a mixed audience in India. The youngsters were most fascinated by the sound of sitar coming from the guitar. The musicians in the audience liked my fusion of Indian Classical and Jazz. Some people rightly caught on that I was inspired by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and appreciated my playing. Coming from learned musicians, it was a great honour for me.
Instep: Any collaborations happening in India?
AS: I have already composed a background score for a documentary being made in India and am currently composing some songs for another collaborative project in India.
Instep: Why is India the Holy Grail for musicians in Pakistan? Why do all musicians want to perform there?
AS: Well, my sojourn to India has come after I’ve already left my footprint in UK, US, Germany, UAE and Mexico. I can’t speak for others, but for me the whole world is a Holy Grail! Wherever there are listeners is where I want to perform! It is as simple as that. Since my training is in Hindustani Sangeet, it is a bit more special to perform in India and at the same time more daunting than any other place in the world!
Instep: How would you classify your music?
AS: My playing style has been called ‘Jazzical’ and I would classify my music as ‘World Music’ since there is a confluence of genres.
Instep: Your version of the Pakistani National Anthem went viral two years ago but we haven’t seen any local release after that? Why?
AS: I did release two more tracks after the National Anthem but to be honest my international commitments make it a little difficult for me to do anything more. Since we don’t have any artist agency or releasing label to speak of, the poor musician has to do everything himself!
Instep: So, the local scene does not look too encouraging to you, does it?
AS: The local scene needs a whole lot of public concerts! Here I think the popular and big artists have to play their part. They will have to open the gateways to public concerts by performing at minimum fees for the ‘awaam’. This way other upcoming bands and acts will get a chance to perform at these concerts plus people will get into the habit of attending concerts as well. Live performances are the lifeline for any musician.
Instep: Don’t you think there is a big security risk with public performances?
AS: Oh please! This country sees everything from fashion shows to dharnas on a regular basis - no security concern there! ‘Security’ is just an excuse when no one wants to play his or her part or take on responsibility.
