In an exclusive interview, Shafi shares her thoughts and her love for music. Read on…
you & me
Meesha Shafi is a multi-talented performer. She is a model, actor and a singer. Shafi started her singing career with the band ‘Overload’ with her husband. In 2010 Shafi sang along with the internationally acclaimed folk singer Arif Lohar, ‘Alif Allah’ (Jugni). The song gave her instant fame. Shafi made serious waves worldwide with her record breaking hits including ‘Chori Chori’, ‘Ishq Aap Bhi Awalla’, ‘Sun Ve Balori’ and ‘Mehram Dilaan De Mahi’ among others.
Celebrated as a style icon with avant garde sensibility, she represented L’Oreal Paris for three consecutive years. Her list of impressive endorsements spans major multinational brands like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Lipton, Mobilink, Cornetto, etc.
The biggest feather in her cinematic cap came when she starred in the Hollywood movie ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’. She also acted in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ (2012) and WAAR in 2014.
Shafi is particularly known for her strong feminist views and vocal stance on issues that highlight and empower women’s empowerment. Hailing from a family of thinkers, writers and artists, she is the daughter of veteran actress Saba Hameed and inherited her writing genes from her grandfather, Hameed Akhtar, a revolutionary Urdu writer.
Shafi has been selected as ambassador for Spotify’s Equal programme for this quarter (April to June). In an exclusive interview, Shafi shares her thoughts and her love for music. Read on…
How does it feel to be the Ambassador for EQUAL Pakistan?
I feel fortunate that I was named the Spotify EQUAL ambassador at the time of my debut album ‘Khilnay Ko’s’ release. This album has taken years of hard work, both creatively and practically, so it feels wonderful and very gratifying.
Spotify’s EQUAL programme aims to create equity for women in music. How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
Such initiatives are extremely needed, and support at this scale really helps artists feel seen and heard. Especially because of its focus on women in music, in Pakistan, where gender equity in music has a long way to go.
What are the biggest challenges female artists face in the industry today?
To be able to safely express song writing with honesty, equal opportunity and equal pay.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.
The two tracks from my debut album ‘Khilnay Ko’ which are featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist are ‘Khushfehmi’ and ‘Sar-e-Aam’. These speak of abandonment, being isolated and public humiliation. They speak of a social and professional heartbreak, not of a romantic kind. The kind of rude awakenings women get when they try to take up space.
You’ve collaborated with various artists across genres. How have these experiences influenced the sound and direction of your new album?
I have collaborated with an intimate group of collaborators for this and I couldn’t have asked for a better list of names. This record needed empathy and emotional intelligence. My co-producer Abdullah Siddique outdid himself to create the kind of emotionally informed soundscapes and world building I was hoping for. A nuanced blend of and old world and a very futuristic one as well.
The focus track, ‘Sar-e-Aam’, is produced by Rohail Hyatt in his signature style with additional production by Abdullah Siddique. And one of my personal favourites, ‘Tareef’, produced by Mahmood Rahman to bring an acoustic, dreamlike quality to this song about healing the inner child.
Your music often addresses themes of empowerment and self-expression. How do your personal experiences shape the messages you convey through your art?
An artist’s experiences and observations as they move through life are their raw material. For honest expression, I feel artists are duty bound to reflect the world as they experience it. I want to absorb and process all the good and bad I go through and churn it out as art. The more of this I do, the happier I am.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I was exposed to music and in fact all other art forms at the earliest age. My house was full of practicing artists. My mother constantly working in theatre and television, my grandfather writing and publishing throughout his life, and several painters in the house as well. It was a big blessing to be born in such a family. Music was always around me. And I was exposed to a wide range of artists from a young age. I delved in a lot of art forms as a kid too. From dance, to puppetry and painting. Singing I used to do alone in my room, for the most part. Music is the one that stuck with me the longest.
What inspired you to pursue music?
During my time in art school, I gave myself free rein to give everything that came my way a shot. Theatre, painting, modelling, tv and film. But it was music that gained a lot of momentum in my life and started feeling the most gratifying.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
I never owned an instrument when I was growing up. So everything I’ve learnt as a songwriter I have learned on the job.
What is your most memorable concert to date?
SaltArts show in Karachi which I did in 2019 I believe.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
It is important but not an absolute requirement. Many great artists don’t know a lot of the history or theory of raags for example but, they do amazing work.
Who was your favorite rock/jazz/ pop star when you were growing up?
Nazia Hassan, Iqbal Bano, Reshma, Ustad NFAK, Nina Simone, Fiona Apple, Radiohead, Nirvana, Aretha Franklin, Robin S, to name a very few.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston, and any song by Fatboy Slim.
When you are not working, you are usually…
On the yoga mat or fussing around the house. I love nesting. Moving things around, redecorating. Cooking for my family, I love it. Going on hikes. Chatting with friends and family.
The biggest misconception about you is…
That I’m some sort of iron woman. I’m not. In reality, with time, I have realised I’m quite sensitive in fact.
Something very few people know about you…
I make amazing desi food, and when the vibe in the room feels right - warm, safe, and joyful - I tend to loosen up and get goofy.
Finally, what message would you like to share with aspiring women artists?
Be stubborn. Question your doubts but only briefly. Follow your heart and stay strong because a life in the arts is an act of courage.
Lastly, congratulations on being named Spotify’s EQUAL ambassador for this quarter. Can you share your final thoughts about the EQUAL Pakistan programme?
Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan programme is such a special initiative. Representing the vast contribution of Pakistani women in music and elevating their expression and music by giving them the visibility needed. I’m so grateful that this space has been created.
