Sajid and Zeeshan come back with a smashing single

Not all artists, in the absence of Coke Studio, are going for gimmickry. Some are building on what they started more than a decade ago, i.e., Sajid and Zeeshan.

After two albums - the critically acclaimed One Light Year at Snail Speed and the lesser known yet just as much of strong sophomore effort, The Harvest - the duo did not release any more songs. One-half of this musical outfit from Peshawar, Zeeshan Parwez, was moving base to Canada.

But upon his return, Zeeshan Parwez confirmed to Instep that Sajid and Zeeshan are back on track. After being the video producer for Coke Studio 12, as well as directing a series of covid-19 videos, Parwez is now delivering on that promise.

Known for great songwriting (Sajid Ghafoor) and music production (Zeeshan Parwez), the first single called ‘Lighten Up’ from their upcoming third record, is here and it is as gripping as their previous tunes, only more ubiquitous in appeal. The single brings both a ray of sunlight and hope topped off with an altruistic lyrical vibe during what is certainly one of the most difficult times for the country. A comprehensive layer of electronic music serves as the base for the strong songwriting. If anything, it solidifies Sajid and Zeeshan’s position as one of the best recording acts in Pakistan. Younger artists writing in English should listen closely to Sajid Ghafoor. It is obvious that even after eight years [since their last release] the duo has retained its musical chemistry.

In addition to unveiling a Sajid and Zeeshan record, currently in the pipeline, Zeeshan Parwez also plans to release his solo album afterwards. Hurrah to that.

Asim Azhar clarifies ‘Ju Tu Na Mila’ was not ‘ripped-off’ from a Studio Ghibli film but licensed via Universal Music India

In an year where the country’s biggest, and quite possibly the most expensive music series (Coke Studio) has come to a grinding halt due to the outbreak of coronavirus, artists have a chance to create real musical magic and get noticed – at the same time.

Meanwhile, Asim Azhar - who began his career as a singer releasing work on YouTube before escalating to national fame via Coke Studio and later Cornetto Pop Rock - has had to respond for a past hit, a song called ‘Ju Tu Na Mila’ (2018) featuring actor Iqra Aziz in the music video. The song is special because it reached over 100 million views, making him part of an elite few who have achieved the landmark. But Azhar is in hot waters for multiple reasons.

First, he was condemned for picking up the melody for ‘Jo Tu Na Mila’. No, it’s not an original. The melody is from a Studio Ghibli production, a Japanese-American film called A Town With an Ocean View (1989).

Listening to both songs, it is obvious that the song from Studio Ghibli film is the biggest appeal of ‘Jo Tu Na Mila’.

But, according to Asim Azhar, his song is not a rip-off at all. Talking to Express Tribune, the singer noted, “That part of the song has been sampled through proper and legal means under Universal Music India, who released the song.”

Unfortunately, even though it all seems legit, things don’t look too great for Azhar since this big giant hit is a manufactured product and not an original creation after all. His all-star new release, ‘Tum Tum’ meanwhile has become the fodder for memes.

The presence of Tik Tok star Areeqa Haq, as well as actor Hania Amir, Shamoon Ismail and several other artists, couldn’t save the song from getting attention of the wrong kind. But to be fair, this song is not indicative of Asim Azhar’s best work and feels inadequate each time you hear it. Given the talent featured overall, it leaves one with an underwhelming feeling.

Ayyan Ali stages a dramatic comeback in music

Ayyan Ali, former fashion model who has won Best Emerging Talent at the Lux Style Awards, has a flair for theatrics. Once a trailblazing model in Pakistan’s fashion scene, she worked with the biggest brands but then disappeared from the fashion world after being caught up in a money laundering scheme in 2015. However, Ayyan has emerged like a phoenix from the ashes or has crossed the Rubicon – whatever analogy seems fit.

Ayyan was apparently released on bail; she flew off to Dubai and now has announced that she is dropping her debut album anywhere over the next two weeks.

So far, Ayyan has three songs to her credit: ‘Earthquake’, ‘You and I’ and ‘Making Dollars’ – each as amusing as the next, which I suppose was not her purpose. Nonetheless, these singles were released years ago. But Ayyan is now coming back with 7 tracks on an album titled Ayyan – Nothing Like Everything.

In a new announcement on social media, the model-turned-singer shared a picture and noted, “Time to ride & double check my upcoming 7 tracks in one of my favourite oldest lambo [Lamborghini]. I just wanna make sure they sound awesome. So u all can enjoy my hard work that I’m putting out after 5 years. Guys all 7 songs will be released in about one week or max two weeks’ time span.”

What the album will be like remains to be seen but Ayyan’s last release generated huge numbers. As for her money laundering case, after being released on bail, followed by some appearances in court, Ayyan left for Dubai, U.A.E and has not returned to Pakistan since then.

Ayyan does have a permanent arrest warrant out in her name so if and when she does come to Pakistan, she will be arrested. That fact has not deterred her from being active on social media.