The soil and air of Pakistan by Vinshay Sharma
Kamran Ahmed (82ROCKER)
The soil and air of Pakistan it seems is laced with a sense of rhythm unique to the world of music. There is an influx of dynamic, innovative and rocking sounds having emerged from this part of the globe over the last decade, but it is truly puzzling to why this is not given the emphasis and recognition it truly deserves beyond the South Asian sub continent.
We are of course well aware of the global musical might of the late great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saheb, and whose nephew has also inherited the soul rendering talents infused within his genes. We can also mention the likes of popular Pakistani Rock influenced acts such as Atif Aslam, Fuzon, Junoon, Jal, and so many more. But the list does not end here.
One of the latest in a long line of great acts from Pakistan, and one of many who have been rightly endorsed outside of Pakistan by Bollywood and the Indian Media industry is musician, vocalist and composer Kamran Ahmed.
From the age of 14 Kamran started off as a young guitar player and began producing guitar tracks for international musical groups in 2003. In 2007 he wrote his first song and composition called ‘Judai’, moreover establishing his artist ID and bringing a global focus towards the name 82 Rocker.
The song speaks from the heart of a once striving musician who turns away from his love to conquer a musical career and reaches a high point of fame and success, but absolute loneliness as a result. It adds great depth to the fact that listeners of the track are left wondering whether there is any personal experience that made Kamran want to provide his personal touch for this timeless folk gem, or whether the story simply holds a fictional love for the sentiments.
The track is entirely arranged and produced by Kamran as an R’n’B acoustic love fusion track and was launched across the internet in 2007 where it received 500, 000 hits in its first 3 months, followed by frequent requests on the local Pakistani Radio channels. With the ease of modern communications, the track spread and made its way to the UK charts (first UK play on my own radio show i must add!) and was aired through out Canada, Australia, and finally reaching the airwaves of India, which has brought with it new mediums for exposure.
Described as a new voice from Pakistan, Kamran’s debut track ‘Judai’ in fact has been reworked and given a wider credit under the latest Mukesh Bhatt banner in Bollywood entitledJannat-in search for heaven. Loosely based on the Bob Woolmer murder case that made news post Pakistan cricket team’s ouster from the last World Cup, Jannat has Bollywood’s notorious serial kisser Emraan Hashmi playing a match-fixer alongside various new acting names.
The rock fusion version of ‘judai’ for the soundtrack of the Bollywood film is dominated by the exquisite strumming of multiple guitars (synth, electronic, acoustic; all sounding alive against the backdrop of a delicious rock tune) running parallel to each other, and the effect creates an absolutely killer melody that will have you reaching for the repeat button of your respective music players! Full kudos to Bollywood music director Pritam for including it within the Bollywood soundtrack and it confirms his keen ear for quality music across borders.
Look out for this immense talent hailing from the musical spirit of Pakistan, and providing listening pleasure to the hearts, souls and ears for all beyond.
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