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Pushto literature:
EARLY PUSHTO POETRY: ‘Pushto’ is not only the name of a language, but it comprises all the traditions, norms and values of the Pukhtoons. So thats the reason when any person do some Thing against then Pashtoon Culture ,other People says OH man Don’t do like Panjabi……….! As for as Pushto language is concerned, its history comprises thousands of years, but we can find the proper written Pushto poetry in 139 HIJRI. But it does not mean that before this there was no poetry. Poetry existed, but not in a proper written form. Poets usually did poetry orally and then they and their followers and fans memorized the work. For a generation or two their work used to be remained in minds of people and afterwards it would slowly raze of the people’s minds. Its main reasons, first, is that many of the Pukhtoons at that time were nomads, second, virtually all the Pukhtoon territory was under war for many years as even Alexander was to grapple here for three years. Due to these and many other reasons Pushto language was used only for the purpose of communication and no such literary work existed at that time. But oral Pushto poetry was there even before 139 HIJRI.
Beginning of written poetry: The formal writing of Pushto poetry started from the poem written by Hakim Amir Crore of Ghore, Afghanistan in 139 HIJRI. This poem was included and hence saved in one of the first books of Pushto, PATA KHAZANA. Amir Crore belonged to the Soori tribe and he was the son of Amir Polad. Soori tribe was the royal tribe of Ghore, Afghanistan. His poem was a pure Pushto poem and mature as well. That’s why we can say at that time Pushto poetry had passed through an evolutionary phase. Abu Muhammad Hashim Sarwani was another poet of that period. He was born at Hilmand in 223 HIJRI. He was the student of Ullema of Basat. It is also said that he was the student of popular Arabic writer, Ibn-e-Khalad. Hashim Sarwani also translated some Arabic poems in Pushto as well. Sarwani’s work also came under light through the book, Pata Khazana. He also wrote a book, “SaloVagma”, meaning ‘deserted breeze’ on the eloquence of Arabic verses. After Abu Muhammad Hashim Sarwani, Sheikh Razi is another poet whose work is saved in the book, Pata Khazana. He belonged to the Lodhi tribe of Pukhtoons. Similarly we have many poets in the first phase of Pushto poetry. For instance; Amir Nasir Lodhi, Beat Neeka, Ismail ster bani (son of Beat Neeka), Kharshaboon (cousin of Ismail ster bani), Sheikh Asad Soori and so on.
PUSHTO PROSE Intellectual, scholars and critics divide Pushto literature into two parts, i.e. poetry and prose. The matter of fact is that Pushto literature mostly consists of poetic expressions. Historical collection indicates that primeval Pushto literature was basically in poetic form. Poetic literature like ‘Amir Crore Nazam’ and ‘Sheikh Mati Munajat’ were all in poetic form. Prose found its place in Pushto literature very late. The reason is that poetry is a far common and effective genre for translating and expressing one’s feeling into it and conveying the same to others. Poetry easily touches the heart as compare to prose. Every one likes poetry and can be easily allured by its magnetism. However prose vis-à-vis poetry appeals to a very selective mind and heart. Now the question arises as to when prose writing came into vogue in Pushto literature. There are various profound claims and arguments regarding the origin of prose in Pushto literature like it having been originated as back as 223 HIJRI in the form of translation of Arabic verses in book titled ‘SaloVagma’ (Deserted Breeze). Since the book is not vogue and the idea is based on mere assumption so it cannot be taken as authentic. Similarly, another book ‘Tazkiratul Aulia’ written by Suleman Makoo in 612 HIJRI is said to be the first recognized book in Pushto. The book contains description s of major Aulia like Shiekh Malkair (R.A), Shiekh Ismial (R.A) and Sheikh Bakhtiar (R.A). The complete book is not in existence but a part of it is available. However, the oldest complete prose book in Pushto that is in existence till today is ‘Khairul Bayan’. After that we come across Akhund Darvez’s book title ‘Makhzanul Islam’ and some other books written in the 9th and 10th centuries by Babu Jan, Mlamast Zamand, Allah Yar, and Akhun Qasim. But all these books were in prose-verse as they contained difficult words and rhetorical expressions and poetic rhythms as well. After that comes the era of great Pushto poet, Khushaal Khan Khatak. He and his family have a remarkable contribution to Pushto prose writing. His sons, one of her daughters, Haleema Khatak and his (Khushaal Khan Khatak’s) grand children contributed to Pushto prose in a unique way. It was this period when prose was written in clear, short and easy to follow and comprehensible form. Then comes the period of some of the greatest prose writers Saleh Mohammad, Ghulam Mohyuddin Afghan, Zamarley, Maulvi Mir Ahmed Shah, and Abdul Rauf Qaney further contributed to the cause of Pushto prose in Afghanistan. To conclude, Pushto expressions far more exceeds prose collections in Pushto literature as prose needs special attention on the part of intellectuals and critics and as this very form of expression is less developed in prose vis-à-vis poetry.
Pushto Academy and Pushto literature: The Pushto Academy was established in 1955 in the capital city of NWFP. The founder of the academy was Maulana Abdul Qadir who since his student-life was very concerned about the future of Pushto language. He was a scholar in Arabic, Persian, English, Urdu and Pushto. Before the establishment of the academy, there was no such plate form for the writers and poets of Pushto language from where their work could reach to the masses. So the establishment of the Pushto academy helped gave a plate form to the writers and intellectuals on one hand and on the other hand the academy helped the Pushto language adopt a certain discipline. Through the academy quarterly magazine, ‘PUSHTO’ it published and hence appreciated both the Pushto poem as well as prose.
Positive impact of the Pushto Academy on Pushto literature: The Pushto academy has played an important role in the development of Pushto language as the total number of books published after the establishment of the Pushto Academy are many-fold more than the number of books published in the past 12oo years of literary history of Pushto language. To conclude, we can say Pushto literature, especially, Pushto poetry is on its peak as the Pushto poets do not afraid to write Ghazal, couplet or to do any kind of poetry, containing four, six or eight stanzas.
Pushto newspapers:
History of Pushto newspapers: Syed Rahat Zakheili was not only a novelist and fiction writer of Pushto language, but Pushto first journalist who through journalism served the Pushto literature. To develop the Pushto literature, he started a weekly newspaper. “AFGHAN” and appreciated the Pushto poets and writers through the weekly. Unlike other language newspapers, Pushto journalism started to develop the Pushto literature, so we can easily say that there was a strong link between Pushto literature and Pushto journalism and the journalism started as to help develop the Pushto literature. The editor of the weekly, AFGHAN was Syed Abdullah Shah Kaka Khiel. Before AFGHAN Pushto journalism existed, but not in a regular and disciplined way. For instance, Al Jihad, one page newspaper owned by Abdul Ghaffar Peshawari used to be published under the editorship of Ghazi Abdul Ghafoor of Swat. Haji Sab Torakzai established a Litho press (printing press) in Tribal areas in 1915 during the ‘Jihad’ against Britain. Through this press special kind of pamphlets against the Britain used to publish and distributed among the people of the tribal areas. Similarly, Al Mujahid was another Pushto newspaper which started publishing in 1923 under the editorship of Maulvi Muhammad Bashir. This newspaper also used to publish in the tribal areas and printed material against the Britain. ‘Zalmi Pukhtoon’ was another daily newspaper which used to publish in 1933 and ‘Hamdard Afghan’ would publish in 1929 under the editor ship of Khan Mir Hilali. During these days, Mohammad Nawaz Khatak started ‘WATAN’ that was a weekly newspaper.
Current Pushto newspapers (dailies): Two main dailies of Pushto language are ‘Wahdat’ and ‘Khabroona’. ‘Wahdat’ started its publication in 80s during the Afghan war for the purpose to create a link between Pukhtoons living on the Pak-Afghan border.
Editorial policy of Wahdat: The editorial policy of the newspaper is free in away that the paper is not under any kind of pressure from the government. Most of the material publish in the editorial is Islamic.
Content of Wahdat: The newspaper mostly contains Islamic material. One page is a literature page comprising, editions related to religion (Islam). No such place has been given to sports or show biz news. Wahdat has no such magazine etc as supplement.
Aid policy of Wahdat: The newspaper gives place to both government and non-government advertisement.
Readership of Wahdat:
Readership of the newspaper is in thousand. Wahdat is mostly read in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Karachi and Khandahar (Afghanistan).
Khabroona is another daily newspaper of Pushto language that kick-started in 2001-o2. Khabroona is a relatively new newspaper, but it is also read in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, suburbs of Peshawar and Kabul (Afghanistan). Editorial policy of the newspaper is quite free and liberal as well vis-à-vis Wahdat. The newspaper is not under any pressure form the government. Content of the newspaper is quite different from Wahdat as it gives enough space to sports and show biz news. As for aid policy is concerned, it publishes the government as well as the private sector aids. Head offices of both Wahdat and Khabroona are in Peshawar. Besides these two main newspapers, English daily, Frontier Post and other Urdu dailies like Aaj (Peshawar) and Maidan (Peshawar) once used to publish a daily supplement of Pushto news.
Pushto magazines Brief history of Pushto magazines: The regular publication of magazines in Pushto language started when the owner of the weekly Afghan, Rahat Zakheili, started the magazine, ‘Stari Mashi’ in 1931. During those days another magazine, ‘Pukhtoon’ started under the editorship of Abdul Khalique. And then some other people found the environment conducive for magazines reading and started the magazines like ‘Selab’ and ‘Angar’ on regular bases. During the world war-II, a magazine, ‘Nan Paroon’ used to be published from Delhi under the editorship of Maulana Abdul Qadir and barrister Nasrullah Khan. Khyber Magazine, a magazine used to publish from Government Islamia College, Peshawar in 50s played a great role to project the views and problems of students on one hand and to promote Pushto literature on the other hand. Some other magazines which have their own fundamental and historical place in Pushto journalism are Qand, Qandeel and Tamas. These magazines are no more publishing.
Current Pushto magazines: It will not be an exaggeration to say Pushto magazine as compared to dailies played a great role in developing the Pushto journalism. They have there own history, more disciplined, publish on regular bases and publish standard material as well. Some of the current Pushto magazines are ‘Jaras’, ‘Chagha’ and ‘Palwasha’. Jaras had been publishing for 10 years from Karachi under the editorship of Tahir Afridi, but now it is published under the editorship of Sher Rehman Buneri.
Radio Broadcasting:
Brief history of radio Pakistan Peshawar: Radio Pakistan, Peshawar started its programmes in a small single room in 1935. The first word broadcasted from radio Pakistan Peshawar was Kalma-e-Tauheed. Radio had a great importance as during these days there were no newspapers and TV and people in ruler as well as urban areas listened to radio not only for NEWS, but for entertainment purpose as well.
Radio and Pukhtoons: Radio has an important role in the lives of the people of NWFP in the past as well as now. Due to low literacy rate very few people are able to read newspaper, therefore, every one has a radio set in his hand whether he is old or young. Even the women in the rural areas of NWFP informed and entertain themselves by radio.
Worldwide Pushto radio station: Pushto is not only spoken in NWFP, but in addition it the language of 40 per cent people of Afghanistan. It is spoken in Karachi and in some parts of India as well. Millions of Pukhtoons live oversees. So quench the thirst of Pushto speaking people the following are the Pushto radio station world wide.
1. Vice of America 2. China Radio International 3. Radio Tehran 4. Radio Shangai 5. Radio Moscow
6. Vice of Germany 7. Radio Kabul 8. All India Radio 9. Radio Pakistan, Peshawar 10. Radio Pakistan, Quetta All these radio stations broadcast different kinds of programmes like ‘Khabarnama’ (news), dramas, musical programmes, programmes for women and other agricultural related programmes. Similarly most of the programmes comprise literary short-dramas, discussions and Mushairas.
New trends in broadcasting: Most areas of NWFP comprises rural areas where the access of television or newspapers are very difficult, therefore, the radio is the only source which can easily be reached to the far flung areas of NWFP. Regarding this, Radio Pakistan, Peshawar his its own impact on the people of NWFP, but in addition to it, new FM stations like FM Boraq and FM 101 are going very well, especially in the rural areas. The private radio stations usually discuss the problems of youth as a result of which the youth listened to it and owing to this these private radio stations get more aids as compared to the radio station(s) supervised by government.
Role of Radio in the development of NWFP: Name of Radio Pakistan, Peshawar will be written in golden words in the history of radio broadcasting as it played a great role in the development of NWFP. It, not only broadcasted the entertainment programmes, but also broadcasted the programmes related to the development and welfare of the province. For instance, it broadcasts programmes for women development, for health, education, for children, agriculture and so on. A part from Radio Pakistan, Peshawar, some other private radio stations have now taken this challenge and going well as they are quite popular in young people of the province. These stations are comparatively liberal and usually discuss the problems of the youth. The private radio stations usually discuss the problems of the youth. For instance, they discuss the problems of the youth, relating to their education. These private radio stations also discuss the other social issues, pertaining to the youth. For example, marriage problems, etc.
Illegal radio stations in Waziristan: During the current operation by Pakistani Army in the Fata, it has also been unveiled that there are some illegal radio stations, operating in the Pakistani side of the Pak-Afghan border. These radio stations are being operated by some clerics of the area, broadcasting their narrow version of religion, alleging each other sects and issue Fatwas (decree) against each others sects. The government has warned them of stern actions, but no such actions are seen by anyone and they (clerics) are enjoying a field day.
FM radio station in the department of mass communication, Peshawar University: To equip the students with practical training of radio broadcasting, the department with the permission of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has provided the facility of a radio station to the students of mass communication, University of Peshawar. The PEMRA has also issued licenses to the department of mass communication, University of Punjab and the department of mass communication, university of Karachi.
Television:
Brief history:
Pakistan Television, Peshawar centre:
Pilot TV Centre A pilot TV Centre was formally inaugurated on December 5, 1974 at 2-Fort Road, Peshawar. It was Black and White Production/Transmitting Centre consisting of Recording Studio and a Booth for News/Announcement. On February 18, 1982 Main Color TV Centre was inaugurated at 58 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azain with Two Production Studios, one Announcement/News Studio, an Out door Broadcast Van and 07 Nos. of portable outdoor recording units for News/Current Affairs and Programmes.
Pakistan Television, Quetta Centre: PTV Quetta was established during 1974 in the abandoned Masonic Lodge, Quetta Cantt and was formally inaugurated on 26th November, 1974(26th November, on the 10th opening anniversary of PTV in Pakistan as the first PTV Centre was established in Lahore on November 26, 1964 and later on too, most of the centers were established on 26 November).
Programmes of PTV, Peshawar: Pakistan television, Peshawar Center’s timings starts from 4pm to 6pm. The programmes comprise entertainment, News and current affairs. All the programmes telecast by Peshawar centre have a certain percentage of Hindku language programmes as well. Regarding entertainment, PTV, Peshawar, shows dramas, musical programmes, stage shows and programmes for children. The Pushto dramas of PTV are very popular in NWFP, especially in house wives. ‘Abaseen’, a stage show, used to telecast from PTV, Peshawar centre, was similar to Tariq Aziz show which still telecasts from PTV, Lahore centre. ‘Abaseen’ was also very popular among the people. Similarly PTV Peshawar centre shows a lot of other musical programmes which are very popular in youth. PTV, Peshawar centre telecast news in its two hours period. It telecasts Pushto, Urdu and Hindku news at 5pm, 4pm and 5:10 pm respectively. The policy for the news is the same as that of Pakistan television (PTV) i.e. pro-government. There is no such wide range of programmes that consist of topics pertaining to current affairs, but the situation is not deteriorating as the current affairs programmes have started to go on the right track. Talk shows like Jirga are trying to cover a wide array of issues from politics and social issues to religion.
PTV National: After PTV, PTV World and other channels started by Pakistan television, PTV National is another addition to the list of channels started by Pakistan television. It’s a national channel as it transmits the programmes in all languages spoken in Pakistan. So there is a specific time for Pushto programmes.
AVT Khyber: AVT Khyber started its transmission in 2004 from Asia set 3. Earlier the period of time for programmes was 12 hours, but on completion of one year it extended the time period to 24 hours. The actual time period of the programmes is 8 hours i.e. from 4 pm to 12 midnight. AVT Khyber is a complete Pushto channel. The channel shows every kind of programme. Like PTV, Peshawar centre, the programmes of AVT Khyber also consist of entertainment, news and current affairs. The policy for its news is the same as that of other private channels in the country.
Viewer ship of Pushto channels: Except some remote areas of NWFP, PTV, Peshawar has viewers from almost the whole NWFP. PTV National viewers are comparatively more as its transmissions are not confined to NWFP, but are watched in whole of the country and in other countries as well. AVT Khyber is watched in Pakistan and 66 other countries around the world. In Pakistan it is watched in NWFP, Balochistan and Karachi whereas abroad it is watched in Afghanistan, Middle East and in some European countries.
Pushto Films: History of Pushto film: Ist Pushto film was made in 1939. Its name was ‘Laila Majnoon’. The film was released in 1942 and the people not only watched it in Peshawar, but in Quetta and Kolcata (Calcutta, India) as well. The director of the film was Mir Hamza Shinwari, while the composer of the film was Abdul Kareem. The heroine of Laila Majnoon was Habib Jan and the hero was Rafiqe Ghaznawi. Pushto second film was made after quite a long time i.e. in 1960. Its story was a translation of an Urdu film, ‘Nai Kiran’ (new ray). The dialogues of the film were written by Mir Hamza Shinwari. It was displayed at Novelty cinema, Peshawar. Pushto’s 3rd film, ‘Tiga’ was made by Mir Hamza Shinwari in 1963. The hero of the film was Umer Daraz, while Ludeel was the cameraman of the film. Then in 1968 a film, ‘Yakka Yousaf Khan’ was released. The heroine of the film was Ghazali while the hero was Rab Nawaz. This film was inaugurated by Urdu film star, Rangila.
Pushto hits: 1. ‘Yousaf Khan Sher Bano’ was made in 1969 and released in 1970. It was written by Ali Hyder Joshi and directed by Aziz Shamim. 2. ‘Sandar Gharai’ (Singer) was released in 1970. Badar Munir was the hero and Yasmin Khan was the heroine of the movie, whereas Niamat Sarahadi was the villain. 3. ‘Kala Khazan Kala Bahar’ (meaning some times autumn some times spring) was directed by Jamil Ahmad and produced by Syed Amir Sarhadi in 1970. The hero of the film was Aman.
4. ‘Aalaqa Ghair’ (means land of no law) was made (produced) by Habibullah in 1971. Dialogues and poetry was made by Amir Hamza Shinwari. Similarly ‘Darrae Khyber’, ‘Adam Khan Durkhanai’ (produced by Shakil Ayub and directed by Aziz Tabassum), ‘Musa Khan Gul Makai’ (hero was Asif khan and heroine was Yasmin Khan), ‘Bahadur Khan’ (hero was Humayun Qureshi), ‘Ajab Khan Afridi’, ‘Zama Badan’, ‘Maghrur’, ‘Oarbal’, ‘Topak Zama Qanoon’ (produced by Aziz Tabassum), ‘Dahqan’(produced by Badar Munir), ‘Baghi’, ‘Arman’, ‘Miranae Roar’ (step brother), ‘Tarbooz’, ‘Iqrar’, ‘Angar’, ‘Zakhmoona, ‘Navae au Nakriza’(Bridal and Henna), ‘Ujrati Qatil’, ‘Da Aoochea Khan’, ‘Prdang’, ‘Toofani Shappa’, ‘Bangri au Hathqardae’, ‘Ab-e-Hyat’, ‘Khulea Nave’, ‘Kufar au Islam’, ‘Da Karye Gorilla’ and many more are the Pushto hits form 1970-71 to 1985.
Role of film in the development of NWFP: From 1960 to 80s Pushto film enjoyed its great times. Its standard was on no grounds less than that of Urdu films till mid 70s and even 80s. If there were waheed Murad, Nadim and Mohammad Ali in Lollywood (Urdu films), so Badar Munir, Asif Khan and many others were the chocolate heroes of
Pushto film industry. During these days cinema was the most effective
way to communicate with the people as the standard of the movies were very good. Till mid 80s films were made on almost every subject and the people really loved to watch Pushto movies in cinema. So Pushto films played a great role in development of NWFP as though cinema used to situate only in the urban areas of NWFP, but people from far flung areas came to cities like Peshawar, Mardan, and Mingora etc to watch films. Now though the standard of the Pushto film has fallen very much, but the youths, especially the rural people still love to go to cinema.
Pushto films in the 90s: Till 1990 there were some great names in the Pushto film industry. For instance, Mir Hamza Shinwari who was a producer, director and a great name in the Pushto poetry. Murad Shinwari is the one whose name comes in the list of the producers and directors who really served the Pushto industry in its real sense. Amir Ghulam Sadiq is the only name in the Pushto film industry, who did poetry for Pushto films for almost more than 30 years. But after 1990 owing to the absence of institutionalization in the Pushto film industry, there were no such dedicated people, which in intern created environment conducive to vulgarity and obscenity and the standard of the Pushto films fell.
Pushto film and the MMA government: Pushto films seem to have lost their fans due to restrictions by the MMA government on their publicity through banners and posters of the film stars. The laborers who come to the provincial capital, Peshawar for manual jobs used to watch Pushto films in cinemas, but due to the bane the audience of the Pushto film has reduced tremendously because it usually comprises the laborer class who cannot even read the names of film stars. Pushto films which had a limited circuit of three cities--- Peshawar Karachi, and Quetta --- was already passing through a difficult phase and anti-obscenity drive of the MMA proved to be the last nail in the coffin.
Future of Pushto film: Future of the Pushto film industry seems to be bright as there are still some people who want to do something for the betterment of the industry. For instance, Ajab Gul, who is a renowned actor and director in both the Urdu and the Pushto film industry. In 1999 he made a film, ‘Srre Sttergae’(red eyes) and through this film he proved that still there is a great potential in Pushto films as the story for the first time after many years was quite different and the cast, especially the heroine(s) were new and seemed that after a great hard work the film was completed. A few months back, another Pushto film, ‘Qalam au Kalashnikov’, written by Faiz Mohammad released. The standard was quite good and people liked the movie.
References: A: Interviews: 1. Sher Rehman Buneri, the editor of the monthly ‘Jaras’ 2. Sabir Shah Sabir, writing a book on the Pushto films.
B: Books:
1. Khushhal Khan Khatak, by Pareshan Khatak 2. Pashtoon Pushto by Abdul Ali Ghor Ghashti
C: Daily Dawn.
D: Official website of PTV.
SANGEET TO MUSIC FATIMA ZAKIR
The basis for Eastern music is "sangeet". Sangeet is a combination of three artforms: vocal music, instrumental music and dance. The present system of Indian music is based upon two important pillars:
Rag: Rag is the melodic form Tal: It is the rhythmic. The tal are also very complex. Many common rhythmic patterns exist in it. They revolve around repeating patterns of beats.
The interpretation of the rag and the tal is not the same all over the world. (1)
TYPES
MUSIC OF PAKISTAN
The music of Pakistan can be categorized into six general groups: classical, semi-classical/ghazal, folk, qawwali/devotional, filmi, pop/rock. These categories overlap considerably, and many artists are able to perform in more than one of the listed genres.
Classical
In Pakistan the main form of classical music is a performing art, classical music in Pakistan is fast disappearing, however it still forms the basis of most other musical genres (save for pop/rock). Ghazal and qawwali music make use of many musical instruments such as the (sitar, tabla, harmonium, santoor etc). Pakistani folk, filmi and even some pop/rock also hold some classical elements.
Many Pakistani musicians of other genre (particularly ghazal, qawwali and folk musicians) therefore are nonetheless trained in Subcontinent classical, and often belong to a gharana. One of the most prominent gharanas in Pakistan is the Patiala gharana, to which the great Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and the brothers Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and Ustad Bade Fateh Ali Khan belong.
Ghazal
Ghazal is the name of a poetic form, but musically Ghazal gayaki refers to the form of music in which the poem is sung. Ghazal gayaki is often termed semi classical music. This is essentially a poetic genre which has a strong tradition of singing attached to it. At the time of partition the great exponent of ghazal singing Ustad Barkat Ali Khan was active in Lahore. The genre received a great boost in Pakistan due to the fact that some of the best poets, in the last fifty years, lived in Pakistan. Some of the most famous Pakistani Ghazal singers are Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum, Iqbal Bano, Abida Parveen, Nayyera Noor, Malika Phukhraj and Tahira Syed. Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahib is considered one of the greatest Ghazal singers of the sub-continent.
Folk
Each of Pakistan's four provinces has its on variatian of popular folk music. Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance has become popular all over Pakistan. Amongst the pioneers in the field of folk music’s presentation were Alam Lohar, Sain Akhtar, Sain Marna, Khameesoo Khan, Misri Khan and to some extent Zahida Parveen as a large portion of her repertoire could be categorised as Sufi as well as folk. The genre had a sympathetic treatment from the official media also and a number of official bodies also supported its conservation and publication but the real boost came with the advent of cassette when Ataullah Esakhelvi and Abida Parveen became mega hits. The present day scene is dominated by Alam’s son Arif, Ataullah, Abida Parveen, Sohrab Fakir and Allan.
Qawwali
One of the most dynamic and popular music of Pakistan is qawwali, which has been internationally popularized by stars like Sabri Brothers, Aziz Mian , Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Rahat fateh ali khan. Qawwali refers to both the performance and the genre of music. Amir Khusrau is said to have invented qawwali in the 13th century; the legendary poet and composer is also said to have invented the tabla and sitar. The idea of music (sama) inspiring an understanding and love for the divine and communication with spiritual guides is known from at least the 9th century.
Qawwali is similar to Subcontinent's musical genres; it has three components: a rhythm (traditionally played on the dholak), the melodic line of the vocals, and the pitch of the melody which is reinforced on harmonium. Poetic verses are usually mixed with a chorus and instrumental passages.
Qawwali fusion with filmi and Western pop music have achieved some popularity, with attendant criticism from purists for allegedly watering down the sacred sound of qawwali.Rahat fateh ali khan's qwaali group is very popular in the world he is also very popular in bolliwood he has composed and sung two songs jiyaa dharak dharak jay and mun ki lagun in india after nusrat fateh ali khan.after the death of nusrat fateh ali khan his nephew became the leader of his party and he is very successfull in qwaali,ghuzal and pop music.A fan of Rahat fateh ali khan named Fasahat ali khan is also a good siger u can get his qwaalies and ghuzals just mail at fasahatalikhan@hotmail.com
Film Music
Pakistan's film industry known as "Lollywood" is based in Lahore. One of the most famous singers of the Pakistan film industry is Malika-e-Tarranum Madame. She sang extensively for Pakistani films and also sang Ghazals, folk songs and patriotic songs (milli naghmay) for Pakistan television. Until the 1960’s Pakistani film music enjoyed a robust period of creative activity with a great number of songs acquiring popularity across the sub-continent. Some of the great names were, Ustad Inayat Hussain, G.A. Chishti, Rashid Attre, Ustad Tasadduq, Master Abdullah, Firoze Nizami, Tufail Farooqi and Ustad Nazar. During the early 1960s Urdu film and music quality declined as the result of various factors. The dominance of trend-setting music directors who had experience of seasoned pre-partition artists declined and they were replaced by a new and younger generation who tapped the Punjabi film market.
Pakistani Pop music
The privitization of Pakistani television has resulted in an explosion in the Pakistani pop music scene. Artists such as Nazia Hasan and the Vital Signs (pop band) were pioneers of Pakistani pop music in the 1980's . Bands like Strings, Junoon, Jal, Fuzon , Mikaal Hassan Band, Atif Aslam and Noori have millions of fans across the border in India, and other parts of South Asia and beyond. Bollywood music from across the border and Arabic pop music is also extremely popular in Pakistan. Strings's single Najane Kyun recently fetured on the Original Soundtrack for Hollywood flick Spiderman 2. (2)
Rock
Rock is not our music. Its completely western in nature and feel. According to Rohail Hyatt, it’s just a matter of taking out your frustration. We all are angry with our society for various reasons and this frustration comes out in the form of rock music. It’s about rebelling against something. Rock is just an expression.
“Overload” is by far the best rock band in Pakistan as they give the traditional touch to western music. Overload is the fusion of rock with dhol.
Rohail Hyatt adds that westernization is not modernism and he likes music to be modernized not westernized. You cannot justify rock because it’s cool to play rock music but you can modernize your traditional tunes. What overload is doing is purely expression of their aggression. You don’t necessarily have to bang your head for presenting your anger. You can always do that in traditional way like overload by mixing western music with our dhol. This is best expression of your feelings.
Though we don’t have much of rock in Pakistan but some of the major rock bands are EP, Call, Aaroh, Karavan and Overload. Karavan and Jupiters are said to be the pioneers of rock music in Pakistan. (3)
Remixes
The remix industry in Pakistan is not much established, luckily. Remixes are changing old tunes into modern, or rather westernize, form of music. Quite some stuff have been done in our industry too like modifying the old Noorjehan tunes to hip hop version for the younger generation to enjoy them as well. Our old classical or filmi tunes are not very well known among today’s youth so in order to make them familiar with our oldies remixes are made. It can also be said that in order to overcome one’s creativity for new music, songs are remixed.
Ali Haider remixed Norrjehan’s song “Mahi” and dedicated the song to the melody queen. The song was a success and took Ali Haider international with the video shot in India. Our generation who were unaware of Noorjehan’s beautiful track got acquainted with it after Ali’s efforts. He again remixed an old song of madam Noorjehan again “Chandni Raatein” which was selected as a soundtrack for a mega drama serial.
Shehzad Roy is not behind in the race too. He sang Abida Parveen’s “Ghadoli” and made quite an impression as well. he even remixed “Teri Surat” and “Naubahar”. Khadija Haider is one female singer who remixed “Holi jai”, again Noorjehan’s quality work, and did good business. Her remixed song proved to be better than her originals.
Faakhir did a good job with remixing the old tune “Sab Tu Sohniye”. The song immediately made its mark among the masses and gained life again. It was again for a super hit drama serial, “Daira”.
Some singers remix their old tunes again not relying on someone else’s work. Strings remixed two to three of their older songs which were released in early 90s. The late 90s and early 2000 version of the songs are pretty good too. Their song “Jadu”, which was initially in their second album, got more appreciation after being remixed recently.
Ali Haider seems to be the singer with most remixes in his belt. He recently released an album based on remixes of his old songs. Though the album didn’t do well in market, it seems that people liked his songs the way they were originally. Another artist who released an album based on remixes is Junaid Jamshed. He have a long career to look up to with innumerable hit numbers. He took out some of his favorite tracks and remixed them in a trendy fashion with no excessive music beats. The album, like all other Junaid’s albums, captured fair market.
Despite these remixes, we are glad to have a small scale remix market. If you want to revive the efforts of legends then instead of adding unnecessary beats just sing the song in the same manner giving it all the respect it deserves.
EVOLUTION OF MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Classical music gained momentum after the partition of Sub-Continent with the rise of Pakistani musicians trained in Subcontinent classical, and often belong to a gharana. Since the late 1940s , Indian classical music has been performed fairly regularly in the West. Initially, the audiences were composed mainly of South Asians, but gradually an increasing number of Westerners have been attending the concerts. Perhaps the music would not have reached beyond a very limited audience were it not for the interest shown by the American violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who sponsored a number of programs in the West.
One of the most prominent gharanas in Pakistan is the Patiala gharana, to which the great Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and the brothers Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and Ustad Bade Fateh Ali Khan belong.
Though in the beginning, official Pakistan govt. policy was very tolerant, later Increased criticism from orthodox quarters influenced the official policy which proceeded to discourage many forms of Hindustani music like Dhrupad, thumris and dadras as un-islamic. The artists were left at the mercy of the market and they had no market. They gradually lost their audience. So Pakistan lost out on its musical heritage. But those who migrated to Pakistan and chose to sing mainly ghazals later gained prominence in, like Mehdi Hassan, Farida Khannum, Iqbal Bano and Mallika Pukhraj. (4)
RISE OF FOLK – 1950s
During the 50s the different regions of Pakistan merged into one and started to explore each other’s culture and heritage. This music exploration of different provinces gave birth to folk music. “Bhangra” became the Punjabi folk, while in Balochi it is called “leva”. The Sindhi expression for folk is “jhoomar” and “jamalo”. While, the folk of NWFP is known as “Atanr”.
Folk is just an expression which is expressed in times of happiness. Its quite vast in nature and every culture has its own share of folk. It cannot be confined to a single type but is formed to put across their message in accordance to their region. In 50s the different regions were trying to learn each others expression and thus originating folk music.
Alam Lohar, Sain Akhtar, Sain Marna, Khameesoo Khan, Misri Khan were among the pioneers of folk in Pakistan. Today Abida Parveen and Ataullah Esakhelvi are famous all around the world for their folk orientation in music. Abida Parveen has recently toured India and captured the Indian market. She has always been well endorsed in US and UK. (5)
FILMI BEGINNINGS – 1960s &70s:
In 1966 Arman was released. It was the first Pakistani film to address the romantic escapades and sociology of a changing Pakistani urban youth culture. Boasts of what can also be called the first ever modern Pakistani pop song, “Cococoreena...” Sung by Ahmed Rushdi and composed by Sohail Rana, it’s a dynamic blend of ‘60s bubblegum pop, early ‘60s twist music and Pakistani filmi music. It also gives birth to the “filmi-pop” genre
Ahmed Rushdie scores another big “filmi-pop” hit with “Uran Khatola” in 1970. Naheed Akther becomes an overnight sensation with a string of unabashed “filmi-pop” ditties, especially the naughty (and queerly titled), “Tu-teru-teru-tara-tara”.
In June 1977, Bhutto’s Military Cheif, Genral Zia-ul-Haq, topples Bhutto in a coup d`état and declares Martial Law. He denounces the Bhutto regime’s “un-Islamic” ways and announces to enforce “Nizam-e-Mustapha” (Quranic law).
The film industry takes a beating due to the Zia regime’s new censor policies. This also starts the end of the “swinging ‘70s” in Pakistan, as night clubs and alcohol are banned and TV and cinema clamped down with new restrictions. In 1979 the Pakistani cinema produces its last few “filmi-pop” hurrahs with Alamgir scoring a number of hits along with Naheed Akhter, especially in Nahi Abi Nahi
RISE OF FILMI POP - 1980s :
Alamgir consolidates his leading pop status. He is followed into the scene by a young Mohammad Ali Shaiki who strikes it big with his very first album, Ali In Action (1980). He adds a twist of ‘70s Indian film music and vocal technique to Pakistani “filmi-pop.”
Alamgir wannabe, Thaseen Javed enters the scene and becomes a moderately successful mainstay of the decade’s pop scene. Nazia & Zoheb Hassan release debut album, Disco Deewane. Perfecting and upgrading the late ‘70s “filmi-disco” of Alamgir’s “Daikha na Tha”, the duo becomes a massive hit.
Three young Christian teens calling themselves the Benjamin Sisters score a series of hits by popish reworking of old Noorjehan songs. They also release an album of original music. Their 15 minutes of fame are short but entertaining. In 1984, Madam Noorjehan’s regenerated career as a siren-like crooner of sleazy (but catchy) Punjabi film songs hits a peak with, “Ludi Hey Jamalo Pao” and “Gorayaan Noon Paraan.”
A young guitar prodigy, Aamir Zaki, forms the country’s first “underground” rock band, “Scratch”. The band becomes a regular favorite at college functions and private parties playing innovative covers of Eric Clapton, Santana and Pink Floyd songs. The band starts to gather a small but loyal cult following in Karachi.
By the mod of 80s Mohammad Ali Shaiki reaches a peak with the recording and release of a proto-Sufi-Rock song, “Humma, Humma”, with legendary Sindhi folk singer, Alan Fakir. Aamir Zaki through his band, Scratch, gains solid cult reputation as young guitar wizard.
A talented and hyper active pubescent, Ali Azmat, entertained family and friends by performing dances and songs at gatherings. In 1986 Aamir Zaki disbands Scratch, becomes a session player with pop icons like Alamgir and Khalid Waheed.
Young teens Rohail Hayyat, Shazad Hassan, Junaid Jamshed and Nusrat Hussain meet and decide to form a band. They call themselves the Vital Signs. Nusrat Hussain left the band after “dil dil Pakistan” and Salman Ahmad joined in, before the album released. A young Adnan Sami Khan scores an impressive performance on PTV, playing instrumentals on an ultra modern synthesizer.
Coming towards 1988, songs most heard during these huge, widespread celebrations are the Signs’ “Dil, Dil Pakistan”, Shaiki’s “Humma, Humma”, and a funky Sindhi song, “Balay Bhutto-Benazir”, set to a pounding “Balochi-Disco” tune and sung by Shazia Khuskh, a “disco queen” from Lyari, one of Karachi’s biggest slum areas.
The Jupiters formed. Start out by playing at marriages. Aamir Saleem starts building a loyal following by playing regularly at marriages and related functions. Nazia Hassan joins UN as its cultural ambassador.
By the end of 1980s, Pakistan’s biggest recording label, EMI-Pakistan signs on the Vital Signs who become the label’s second biggest pop acts after Nazia & Zoheb. The (Ali Azmat led) Jupiters also score a major hit with their debut album, Yaroon Yeh Hi Dosti Hai, and the Live Wires make it big with Nai Umangain, Hassan Jahangir scores a hit with “Hawah, Hawa"
THE NINETIES - POP REVOLUTION
In 1990 Strings release their first album (Vol:1), followed by Ali Haider’s unsung debut, Chahat. Ex-Vital Sign’s guitarist Salman Ahmed is ousted by bandleader, Rohail Hayat. Salman retaliates by plucking Ali Azmat from the Jupiters and bringing in original VS guitarist/keyboardist, Nusrat Hussain to form Junoon. Junoon become another EMI act and enter the label’s studios in Karachi to record their debut album.
In 1992, Ali Haider releases second album, Qarar. It’s a big hit and elevates Haider’s status as the scene’s Premiere solo “filmi-pop” star. Milestones formed. Jupiters fail to revive early success. Experiment with various vocalists, including one Najam Shiraz. Brain O’Connell joins Junoon as bassist. Nusrat Hussain quits. So does short-time Junoon keyboardist, (and former Barbarians’ man), Nadeem Jaffery.
In 1993, the Second Wave is further strengthened by the release of The Strings’ second album, Vol:2, Junoon’s rip-roaring Talaash and debut albums by Awaz, Fakher-e-Alam/Yatagaan and Milestones. The Strings’ second album raises the band’s status and they also become the first Pakistani pop acts to appear on MTV with an understated video for the album’s charismatic opener, “Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar.”
Fakher-e-Alam too scores a hit with a dynamic debut release with its title track, “Bhangra Pao”, pioneering the bhangra-rap genre in Pakistan. Sajjad Ali releases his first “filmi-pop” album, Babiya ‘93, and strikes gold. By the mid of 90s, Shahzad Roy releases debut album. Dr. Aur Billa score two trendy hits, the perverse anti-video video, “No Love” and the tongue-in-cheek anti-establishment, “Jeenay Do.”
Najam Shiraz releases fiery pop debut album and scores big hits with anti-greed ditty, “Un say nain mila kay daikho”. Hadiqa Kiani releases successful debut album, Raaz. In 1997, Abrar Ul Haque releases successful first album, Billo De Ghar. It sells like hot cakes. In 1998, Hadiqa releases second album, Roshni. It’s a dynamic and eclectic mix of techo-pop, FM-Pop and Folk-Pop. It soon turns her into the local scene’s new pop diva after Nazia Hassan. (6)
2000’s – THE RECENT STATUS
Rahim Shah, a young pashto boy, became the new singing sensation with his debut album “Ghum” which took him international overnight.
Ahmad Jahanzeb started off as an actor and with the drama’s title track proved himself to be one of the best classical singers in town. The album is the combination of his mellow compositions and soulful lyrics. Ali Zafar becomes new boy-pop wonder with entertaining debut album. Guitar virtuoso, Mekaal Hassan, releases eclectic fusion chestnut, Samporaan.
Fuzon stuns the audience with their new brand of music. The fusion of classical vocals with western music leaves the audience in awe. Aaroh, the winner if ‘Pepsi Battle of the bands’, disbands after their first album with guitar genius, Nabeel Chisti and Kami, heading their separate ways from the vocalist Farooq and bassist Khalid.
EP and Noori made their mark in the music industry with EP and Noori concentrating more on rock. Jal got their fame with “Aadat” which made the subcontinent dance to its feet. Jal disbanded and Atif headed its separate way without Gohar and released his album. Jal got their album with some similar songs with a little bit of difference in tunes.
Another singer on the block is Shiraz Uppal. He did the greatest soundtracks for telefilms. After struggling for a long time he finally made his mark in the national and international music scene with his album “Jhuki Jhuki”.
The Pop music took over the Lollywood filmi music due to the lack of creativity and experimentation from the latter. The filmi music is deficient of good quality vocals and compositions. The lyrics are substandard too. The masses have hence turned to pop music for the satisfaction of good music and profound lyrics.
TRENDS
RADIO
RADIO PAKISTAN
Radio Pakistan through its 25 stations located at as many places in the country as on air for 300 hours daily in the Home Service using 20 languages and reaches 75% of the area and 95% of the population of the country. Nearly half the time is devoted to information and education and remaining half to entertainment. In its programme-fare Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) makes use of all the formats in order to reach its listeners by catering to their interests.
General programme categories are Music (48%), Religious (12.5%), News and current affairs (11%), Women Children and Labour (5%), Youth-Students (3%), Forces (2%), Rural & Farm (10%) Drama/Features (2%), Publicity Campaigns (2%) Science, Technology, Health (2%) Sports (2.5%) (7)
Radio Pakistan still focuses more on content rather than songs. Ots a government funded and supported radio station which has to work under government needs. It focuses more on government policies, its actions and aws rather than pop songs which for the station is irrelevant. Radio Pakistan is not so independent as the FM stations are as they broadcast content what people needs to know not what people wants to listen to. Its not commercial hence the shows are not for advertiser’s attraction or generating money. Hence the attraction for today’s man is less when it comes to public sector radio. While FM stations’ theme is less talk more songs which is what the masses want.
No doubt radio Pakistan has given us some immensely talented artists but its losing its charm now. Not many people still tune into Radio Pakistan now. The music lovers, which are by large the urban youth of Pakistan, does not tune into Radio Pakistan at all but it’s still heard in the rural parts of the country.
FM STATIONS
In recent years we see the rise of so many private TV channels in Pakistan giving it a new face and form, radio is walking on the same path. Starting from Radio Pakistan, now we have eight FM stations.
FM 100 is said to be the pioneer of FM stations and carved the way for new generation FM stations focusing on ever class of people with youth as the major target. After FM 100 came 101 which is owned by radio Pakistan and has pro government approach. It focused more on entertainment rather information introducing fresh and spirited RJs. A chain of radio stations sprung to life with 107,103, 91, 89, 96 and the latest 106.2 Hum FM. 106.2, being the youngest baby to the radio family, took the market by storm due to its back to back music service. It started off with no shows only music comprising of equal number of Pakistani and Indian tracks.
Radios were for the promotion of our music industry but now the situation has changed. PEMRA has given the permission for Indian songs as well which are pretty famous in our society and now you can listen to them on radios. The rules, however, does not allow excess of Indian songs but more of Pakistani lot with the English and Arabic tracks getting their exposition too.
With the rise of so many radio stations, the new singers got a chance of exposure. Though TV is far reaching and visual but radio is comparatively easy to access. The budding talent sends in their songs for critical analysis and if they manage to pull some strings, they are aired on radio with proper coverage of the band. This may include interviews and plans of the band or singer.
A recent example is Omer Inayat, who got his fame partially from radio. His debut track “Tenu le ke jana” created waves in the music scenario and is well endorsed by the masses. The radio stations aired the song all day long with suitable breaks which attracted people’s attention. Even a local radio station covered this debut album launch for its station.
The music played on these stations varies from Pakistani pop to ghazals, from Bollywood to US charts and from Folk to UK bhangra, catering to the taste of society. Radio has helped a lot in improving the music scene in Pakistan by introducing new bands and bringing the aspiring singers to forefront.
TELEVISION
The 90s became the era of music with acts like Strings, Junoon, Awaz, Ali Haider and Sajjad Ali bringing about their own music sensibility and communicating with the nation through videos and songs. (8)
Music Shows
In 1989 January, PTV airs its first ever pop show, “Music ‘89”. Though a one-off, this Shoaib Mansoor directed program is relished by the youth of the country who watch veteran pop stars like Nazia & Zoheb Hassan rivaled by some stunning performances by a string of new pop acts led by the Vital Signs. The show becomes a trailblazer, setting the paradigm for most pop shows in the coming years. (9)
PTV started airing similar shows, featuring new talents like Vital Signs, Ali Haider, Sajad Ali, Jupiters, Live Wires and three of the country’s first ever “underground rock” acts, Final Cut, The Barbarians and Midnight Madness.
The Barbarians and Final Cut also become the first Pakistani acts to perform (on PTV) a song each with overt political lyrics (about campus violence). Similar shows such as “Rhythm Wythm”, “Music Channel Charts (MCC)’ and “Top of the Pops” brought the music scene in front. MCC was started by former PTV producer Ghazanfer Ali in 1992. (10)
A group of eccentric NCA students calling themselves Dr. Aur Billa start their own pop show on NTM, simply called VJ. VJ returns. Hosted by Faisal Qureshi and Ahmed Ibrahim, and full of its anti-heroic madcap antics, it also introduces a fresh new batch of musicians, such as Jawad Ahmed (ex-Jupiters/Wet Metal), Sharik Roomie, etc. (11)
Shows like “Boom Boom Bastic”, “Pepsi Ask for more show” and “Pepsi Battle of the Bands” helped our music to blossom even further. Even Sony TV, an Indian channel, took out its half an hour slot for a Pakistani music show by the name of “The Volume”. This shows the increasing popularity of Pakistani music not only in our country but across the border too.
Now we have music shows on every channel whether government or private. Our music has excelled to have its own music channels too which has a 24 hour Pakistani music on screen.
Music Channels
It appears as if the floodgates have been opened for foreign entertainment and news channels. The last couple of years have seen an invasion by cable channels, which can be seen wherever you go, from restaurants and homes to shops. This is all part of the phenomenon called ‘globalisation’. Pakistani viewers, noticeably, are losing interest in local channels because of the glitz and glamour of the foreign media.
However, Pakistani music channels are not only fighting off competition from abroad, but actually winning new audiences day by day. Today, because of these music channels, local bands and singers like Atif, Jal, Noori and Junoon are more popular than any foreign band or singer. The concerts of these artists and bands are well attended and their albums gross well because their videos are shown on local music channels. The loyal viewers of these channels are helping pop musicians win the war and push out western and Indian music.
The music industry has come a long way in a very short span of time (considering the fact that six years ago there were no music channels). Today, it is a complete industry with local music channels dedicated to bringing forward Pakistani talent and the channels’ websites helping expose several local bands and artists doing various genres of music from rock to classical. A testament to the music channels’ evolution is the type of colourful graphics and programming.
Pakistan’s first ever music channel launched, Indus Music in 2003. with the success of IM, ARY family introduced their music channel, The Musik. Some other local music channels include Vectone, Uni Plus, Channel G. these channels striving their best to promote Pakistani music scene internationally as they are private channels on satellite.
These days, the most requested videos on several Indian channels are those of Pakistani artists. This is a great sign, which shows that the country’s music channels are all doing well internationally against music channel like Mtv and VH1.
Proper music awards ceremonies are a part of the music industry now. It was strange seeing Pakistani bands being honored in other countries and not in Pakistan, Junoon and Strings were presented awards in India. But now awards like ‘The Indus Music Awards’ are a source of encouragement to both new and old singers. Awards are an integral part of any industry and it is good to see that Pakistan has finally caught up in this regard.
Another development over the past eight months is that new talent is now being properly harnessed. New bands with talent can become stars because the Pakistani pop industry has the proper infrastructure now. With music channels hunting for new talent to showcase, it is an absolute delight to see almost 70 percent of airtime on local music channels showing songs by new bands and singers.
These channels have promoted pop music so well that channels like HUM TV and Geo TV now air Pakistani artists’ music videos during prime time viewing. This clearly shows a change in the trend of viewing, which has now shifted from dramas and sitcoms to music videos.
Today local music channels stand out among all the private Pakistani channels. With witty and educated presenters and colourful sets, Indus Music , The Musik and G channels are fun to watch. One can proudly say that Pakistani music channels can now match foreign music channels. (12)
Music Videos
The rise of music as a viably commercial pursuit of art has given Pakistani talent an avenue towards which they can direct their energies. Today, videos are not just about promoting a certain song. They are about communicating with the audience and sending a message across.
PTV producer Shoaib Mansoor unravels a video and song of a catchy national song “Dil, Dil Pakistan” by the Vital Signs. The song catches on and becomes a surprise hit with a new generation of young, urban Pakistani youth. With a non-existent film industry, the Pakistani youth can now express themselves through music videos. At the moment, young music directors are producing visually stunning work. (13)
So many music channels around these days has made the music more of a medium of watching rather than listening. Music videos are more far reaching and a source of exposing your work to the masses. it even helps improve your song’s value.
We have some great music video directors in Pakistan. Video making has become a serious business now and singers concentrate equally on their videos. The era of high budget, high quality videos have overridden the industry. Take the example of Fuzon’s video “Khamaaj” directed by Saquib Maalik and Faakhir’s “Mahi Ve” directed by Asim Reza. These videos are five minute 35mm movies.
Strings band member, Faysal Kapadia says that videos are important to promote your music. People watch music rather than listening to it. You have to work hard on your videos, develop concepts, make it different and inest a lot of money to come up with a good piece of work. If the video is attractive, the song makes a place in your heart too.”
A good example is the video of Ali Azmat’s new song ‘na re na’, shot by young director Saqib Malik. The colours, images and texture of the video are a treat to watch. Offbeat and different; yes, but progressive and new. Add to this, the video of Jal’s ‘teri yaad’, aesthetically shot against the background of a local circus and the new creative animated video by Zeeshan and Ghafoor (the duo from Peshawar which shot to fame with ‘king of self’) it is clear that the music channels are playing the leading role in providing quality entertainment. (14)
Ahsan Rahim, Jamshed Reza (Jami), Asim Reza, Saquib Malik, Sohail Javed, Jawad Bashir and Asad ul Haque are few directors who are carrying the entire video scene on their shoulders by producing some high-quality acts. . INTERNET
There’s apparently no dearth of music these days. Our Radio & TV channels pump out music 24/7 in this country and more channels are on the verge of starting their services. Yet, even with so many choices, people have been found complaining about the lack of quality music, especially that is different from the norm. This trend has occurred mostly because the channels’ content, especially with regard to music, differs very slightly from each other.
However, because of the lack of experimentation on the part of the networks, it had been getting harder and harder to find new music these days. Infact, the situation is so bad you might never had been able to listen to anything different than what the channels make you listen to. With all the other areas which ‘Information Technology’ has leveled, it has also freed the area of music from the clutches of large labels & media networks. Now small & private labels as well as independent musicians can bring their music to the world at a very low cost.
Its as simple as Internet Radio. Commercial radio or Television channels may be going down the tubes, but Internet radio is alive and kicking. Just some of the more popular styles available online include: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock, Jazz, R’n’B, RAP, Soul, World, Easy listening and there are hundreds of other styles out there.
The best part about Internet radio is that there`s (mostly) no waiting for commercial breaks to end (since many WJs (Web Jockeys) are hobbyists) or wait impatiently for the RJ to stop telling you about their last night’s dinner, so you can listen to the song that they’ve been promising to play for the last 15 minutes. Most online radio stations also display artist, album, and track information while the songs are playing, so you can always find the lyrics, or download the song through P2P software.
There are many sites where you can find free downloads of Pakistani songs. Not only songs but whole dramas and movies are available on the net too. Some of the most popular sites for Pakistani music downloads are: www.sangeetradio.com, www.pakmanzil.com, www.musiqpakistan.com, www.bandbaja.com, www.musiqpakistan.org etc.
We find websites where not only downloads are available but we can find artist interviews, profiles, reviews of albums and news. Website business is gaining momentum day by day and sole music websites are becoming the largest visited websites in Pakistan now.
We listen to songs of a latest album through internet, read the expert reviews and then buy the Cd. It then involves the piracy issues because the royalties are not given to the artist and the whole hardwork drains down when fans merely download songs instead of going out and buying cds and cassettes. Of course given the sheer number of stations (in millions), it can take a while to find a station you like, but once you do, you`re likely to hear lots of new tunes and all tuned to your listening pleasure. (15)
ALL PAKISTAN MUSIC CONFERENCE
Forty-five years ago, on 15 September 1959, these concerned citizens met at the famous Coffee House of Lahore and launched a voluntary organization under the title and style of The All Pakistan Music Conference.
The main objective of the APMC was to promote music and musicians by organizing concerts, conferences and festivals. It was decided to hold, as soon as possible, a large event on national level to focus attention on our melodic culture.
A festival of folk, light, semi-classical and classical music was announced for 19-23 February 1960. Spread over five evening and two morning sessions, the festival was an instant success. Musicians from all over the country had participated. The festival was the first major step which gave new lease of life to music in Pakistan.
Events like APMC have emerged as annual events where there are no tickets and people from all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome. APMC is the beginning of a new synergy where MTV generation sees their own eastern roots, and APMC does it with the right frame of mind. They are just as welcoming towards the new age fusion of Mekaal Hassan Band as towards the classical singers like Ustaad Fateh Ali Khan. The older generation comes to see the Ustaads while the younger lot comes to see Mekaal Hassan Band and in between catches a couplet or two from the Ustaads. Though classical is enjoyed by a select few who have a taste for it, it is regrettable that the arts have been behind censors for a long time. “We have tried to revive the culture of classical music,” says Jamil Syed, the APMC chairman, “and judging by the number of people attending the event this year, I think we have been successful.” A tradition that one hopes will grow still further. Acknowledging the effort made to pay due respect to the treasure trove of singers and instrumentalists who have kept the classical tradition alive,the APMC has brought us maestros like Ustad Hamid Ali, Ustad Zafar Ali Khan, Niaz Ahmed (Pride of Performance award recipient), Akhlaq Hussain (sitar nawaz), Mehnaz Begum, Nafees Ahmad Khan (sitar nawaz), Ustad Salamat Ali, Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, Ashraf Sharif Khan (sitar nawaz) and Ustad Abdul Sattar Tari
The Karachi Chapter of the APMC has made a place for itself in the hearts of classical and serious music connoisseurs as the number of people attending the performances for the past two years has been growing constantly. “Music is instinctive,” says Jamil Syed, “I wouldn’t categorize it as elitist.” Classical music culture has certainly evolved and as people attend the APMC festivals, the elitist tag will hopefully wash away with time.
Eastern music is not that bad and boring after all, Rohail Hyatt and Shahi are also attending. They are icons and will always have the impact despite not appearing in videos anymore. Pop music, its creation gave Pakistanis ‘pop culture’- a way of thinking and life. (16)
Association of Music Professionals of Pakistan The music industry of Pakistan is on verge of another revolution, and this may be the biggest yet. But, it's not because of another groundbreaking pop icon. No, it is the formation of AMPP, that is, the Association of Music Professionals of Pakistan. Spearheaded by Ali Azmat, Tina Sani, Haroon and Irfan Kiani, the association aims to "protect, promote and develop" musicians in Pakistan and plans to take action against infringements of any copyrights of an artist under the law, among many other things. The Memorandum of Association includes bands, artists, sound engineers, recording artists, producers et al. And though signatories to it do not include each and every musician in the country, they do include all the heavyweights. The formation of AMPP is necessary because everyone exploits the musicians of this country. They earn no royalty on record sales and neither have they ever been paid for any video that is aired. The fact is, all videos of any budget, are either paid for by the artists themselves or the cost is incurred by a sponsor and sometimes, a director puts money through his own pocket. And even though, the last few years have seen electronic media play a significant role in promotion of musicians, yet none of these channels ever pay musicians. Furthermore, there is no legitimate record label in this country and considering the fact that the music industry is expanding with every passing moment that is just very sad. It is a common belief that royalties for a song and/or video would go to a singer or a band. However, royalties, most often, if not always, are paid not just to band members but also to the music publisher (record label), music composer (it doesn't necessarily mean someone who is a part of any particular band) and songwriter. The percentage depends on the clauses, stated by an organization. This is the basic format that is followed globally.
If AMPP takes up this structure and adapts it according to local needs of artists, things will surely pick up for the music industry. Royalties will also compel artists to compose and write their own songs.
Right now, certain clauses in the AMPP memorandum sound a bit too ambitious, but on the bright side that reflects exactly how bright musicians perceive the future of this industry to be. Such a charter is being formed for the first time. A lot of work has to be done before AMPP bears fruit, but if the musicians manage to give Pakistan's unruly music scene a coherent structure that is beneficial to all the stakeholders in the music business, that is the music labels, the channels and of course, the music professionals themselves. One thing is clear, the formation of AMPP and the process the body hopes to set in motion is the biggest bang in the music industry has seen yet. (17) IMPACT ON SOCIETY
In 1993, Disney took a daredevil scene out of a movie, The Program, after one teenager died trying to mimic the scene and two others were seriously injured. MTV altered the content and changed its time slot of the animated Beavis and Butt-head series in response to charges that the characters’ pyromania led to a 2-year old’s death. (18)
Similarly the power of film, and film music in South Asian society can hardly be overstated. Highlighting the point, Pradip Krishen observes, "Urban environments are cluttered with its signs, filled with its sounds. Its tastes and values spill out to define the very texture of contemporary mass and middle-class culture". This mass culture affects a wide range of activities, but perhaps its most important effect is on music. Film music is the most widely listened to music in South Asia, and since 1931 (the year of the first Indian talkie and the first film song) it has become the dominant force in the construction of musical taste. (19)
POP IDEALIZATION
The influence of filmi music in Pakistan has decreased now but the clouds of pop music are over the whole country. Our young generation is too much under pop effect that they change their life styles according to the stars. We as a nation are in a habit of adapting things from others and overlook originality.
The young boys have always been copying the outlooks of our singers whether it is Rohail Hyatt’s long locks, Ali Azmat’s bald look or Fakhr e Alam’s torn jeans. They have always been a source of inspiration. Ali Haider’s ‘Purani jeans’ provided the college going chaps a way to spend their college life and they followed his song like a book of law. Whatever the artist wore became fashion and trendy.
We are still influenced by our stars. Keeping in mind today’s choice, we have Atif’s flourescent shirts, Salman Ahmad’s colorful trousers, Ali Zafar’s coat over bare chest, Saleem Jawed’s leather jackets under the sun and some other really silly fashion statements which otherwise would have been ridiculed by us.
UNDERGROUND BANDS:
The new underground scene however is different in context compared to the UG scene of late-80s/early-90s and that of mid-90s. It is less political in its lyrical approach and not as vocal about corporate sponsorship as the mid-90s acts.
Murtaza Kazmi, underground music promoter and manager explains underground music as a hobby for our generation. Underground bands are formed due to inspiration. There is no such thing as internal desire or thirst for music. This inspiration is by and large western in nature. Generally our underground music scene is rock which is adapted from the west.
Underground bands are formed by kids who have their educational lives in front of them and thus cant give much of their time to music so they just get together, jam and play in family and college functions. They prefer playing the western tunes because they don’t have enough creativity or talent to compose their own songs. Besides, they don’t have enough funds to produce music.
Imran Ata, backing vocalist and bassist of underground band “ABYSS” says “We should be given exposure and opportunities to showcase our work. If you wont allow young people to experiment with audience’s ears how would you know what is better in market. EP, Jal, Call, Mizraab were underground bands but they got exposure and now they are the best bands of our music picture.”
The FM stations play a major role in promoting underground bands. Currently, FM 107 broadcast a show by the name if United in Music in which they call up underground bands for interview and provide them an outlet to display their work to the masses. the presenter of the show Elroy is supporter of budding talent of music.
The entrance of new bands and artists in the music scene is always refreshing. It keeps the music scene from getting stale. However, in Pakistan due to the lack of proper recording deals and sponsors, new bands find it hard to create a niche for themselves. Usually, new bands, which are at times really good, release a single and if their single’s video doesn’t get a massive response, the poor band fizzles out.
Record labels in Pakistan , recently are only signing artists that have reputations of being sure bankers. The examples of budding bands having to split up because of lack recording deals are numerous. A few examples are Circle, Tanseer Dar’s (Karavan frontman) former band and the more recent Gaaj and Josh.
Former Vital Signs composer, Rohail Hyatt says that it takes talent and hardwork to get somewhere in music. Such bands should be allowed to do whatever they desire. When VS was formed they had no support and money but their hardwork and passion for music led them to dil dil Pakistan.
Pepsi’s Battle of the Bands was an attempt to promote underground music in Pakistan. This show allowed the bands to come forward and perform their songs. Then selection was done on jury as well as public vote. It was a first of its kind show. This battle gave us the victorious Aaroh and the runner up EP. These two bands have supported the music industry with their outstanding albums. Aks was another band from Battle of the bands which gave some good music but disappeared soon from the market.
Some of the recent underground bands struggling their way up are Aatish, Kareeb, CornHole, Voice Of Omega, Mashriqs, Ruckess, DHANAK, Mirage, Intaba, Burzakh, DNA, Gravity the band. (20)
PROMOTING MUSIC
The music industry has burst out from its hibernation and reached new highs of creativity in recent years. The media was predicting how exciting the upcoming years would be. Albums are being lined up and even recording companies are caught in the euphoric wave. It goes without saying that this is a major spanner in Pakistan’s music industry.
New bands now have the luxury of launching their debut singles and albums by trumpeting them with well-produced music videos. An example is the arrival of Rungg on the music scene. In Lahore, one can see billboards of the band all throughout the city, this was followed by excellently directed and choreographed videos of their songs. Their interviews were seen on all music channels and now Rungg is one of the famous bands, even before their debut album hits the market.
According to Rungg band, “We dont have the proper infrastructure for the industry...don't have Proper Event Managers, or record labels....it's evolving....(there will come a time When even Artists who don't do commercial music would be able to make a living out Of It, and Wouldn't have to sell out!)....we have a long way to go. (21)
The local music channels (Indus Music, Vectone, Uni Plus, Channel G, The Musik, etc) have firmly established themselves as among the most watched channels. Obviously this also means that their earnings through advertisements and commercials are substantial. It is heartening to see that multinational as well as local conglomerates are sponsoring shows and songs on almost all music channels, which translates into more money for both local singers and media. With music channels hunting for new talent to showcase, it is an absolute delight to see almost 70 percent of airtime on local music channels showing songs by new bands and singers.
Competition is the backbone for any industry. It heralds innovation and breaths a new life to a stagnant situation. And competition has heated up in the oldest , and probably most enjoyable, media – radio. Numerable FM channels have come to the forefront and enjoy huge followings of loyal fans that tune in every day.
With the amount of commercials being played and the number of listeners tuning in, FM radio stations have showed that Pakistanis as people are immensely talented. Considering limited resources and restrictions that the media is beset with in the country, it’s really heartening to see these radio stations not only surviving but actually thriving with the amount of commercials being played and the number of listeners tuning in, FM radio stations have showed that Pakistanis as people are immensely talented. Considering limited resources and restrictions that the media is beset with in the country, it’s really heartening to see these radio stations not only surviving but actually thriving.
Pakistani pop has also made its presence felt on the Internet during the last 8 months. Innumerable sites of Pakistani pop music have sprung up and sites like Bandbaja, Pakmediarevolution, Pakmusic, pakmanzil and all the sites of Pakistani bands are signs that our industry is abreast with the new millennium.
Well, with the recording companies about to settle their legal issues, and new albums of various bands about to hit the market, one can say that things can only get better for our music industry. One can say that it has all started happening for Pakistan’s pop singers.
LATITUDES IN MUSIC
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
The first Pakistani pop acts to appear on MTV with an understated video for the album’s charismatic opener was “Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar.” On the international scene, Pakistani pop music is now being steadily exported. Salman Ahmed released a solo album through an American record label. Not to forget his song “Ghoom Tana” making waves in the world is being sung with an across the border voice, Shubha Mudgal. Also Pakistani musicians continue to make it big across the border. Jal, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Fahkir, Aaroh and Strings are constantly topping music charts on all the popular Indian channels.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan made it big in Bollywood with his latest track “Jiya Dhadak Dhadak”. Rohail Hyatt, being the producer of the song, is very happy with it. He is very proud of the entire music being exported across the border. We have been ‘importing’ music from others and have never been ashamed of it now we are good enough to export our music internationally.
Strings made their entry into Bollywood with “Zinda Hoon Main” which topped the charts all over India. They even made their way into Hollywood with their song ”Najaney Kyun” which was selected by Columbia Pictures for the Spiderman 2.
Another singer who made his mark in both Bollywood and Hollywood is the young sensation, Atif Aslam. His song “Bheegi Yaadein” for an Indian flick, was no doubt the biggest hit of the year. He moved to Hollywood when four songs from his debut album made their way into US motion “Man Push Cart”.
Metallica’s latest album “Saint Anger” features a song ‘Trinity’ in which they adapted the chords of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s song. They credited the song to the late Khan sahab.
Internationally our singers attend concerts all around the year. Abrar Ul Haque and Jawad Ahmad are very famous in UK. Junoon, Strings, Ali Zafar, Noori and others have a massive fan following in US and UK and they perform nearly every year in those countries.
Other achievements by Pakistani singers this year have been by new talent such as Aftab Urooj, who is the only South Asian so far to be offered a scholarship at the University of Berkeley, the renowned university for music and arts.
CONCERTS/ALBUM LAUNCHES:
The use of electrical amplification during concerts has had a marked effect on voice production, and, since the voice no longer needs to project over distances, many modern singers now sing with a relaxed throat and produce a more mellow tone. Also, musicians do not need to develop powerful voices. In practical terms too it made a big difference. Lot more people could attend a concert. This meant that top artists could live comfortably purely based on concert income. They were supplemented by the income from sale of records. So, for the first time we had artists who didn't relay on anything but indirect patronage of large number of listeners. A large number of organizations sprang up with the sole intention of organizing concerts. (22) Concerts are an important way to promote music in the world. The youth is too much under the influence of pop music and when it comes to live sessions and concerts, they are all for it. Concerts are just like two way traffic where it generates exposure for one and marketing for another. Pretty fair deal! Certain event management companies organize concerts for youth. The chain goes when an event management company ask for sponsors to showcase their product. Then they get the artists to perform with the sponsor’s money. A part of it is left for marketing and publicity. The tickets generate the revenue for their show and they get back the money spent. The sponsors are concerned with the money invested. They target the event which markets their product and focuses on the event’s probable success. This is how the cycle revolves making event management company, the sponsors, the artists and ultimately the public, happy. The eminent event management companies in Pakistan are Nutshell, Eagle Eye, IndusTree and Happenings International to name a few. IndusTree is the brainchild of our bhangra king, Fakhre Alam and has brought some international names to Pakistan too. IndusTree is behind the lucrative shows which made the Indian sensations like Sushmita Sen, Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora and Bombay Rockers rock the Pakistani nation. (23) Talking about album launches, they are not for electronic media till now. It still focuses primarily on print section of the media. The bands or solo singers hold a press conference and talk about their album. They talk about their journey to music and share experiences which are reported in the papers in the form of news. This is quite a private affair of the artist with no sponsors as such involved in it until the artist is a celebrity. Recently, Faakhir launched his latest album “Mantra” with ARY as its media sponsors. The whole show was telecast on The Musik. Call were Lahore’s underground bands which were launched in Karachi by FM station, ApnaKArachi FM 107. According to a music analyst from the station, Murtaza Kazmi, “A friend of mine and I were just browsing the internet when we found Jal’s “Aadat”. We liked the song and asked our station manager to listen to the song. He instantly put the song on air and asked us to get the boys in touch. We contacted them in two days and when they next visited Karachi, they were launched through FM 107.” (24) Murtaza Kazmi and Kamran Ata have been working to promote the underground bands in Pakistan. They are pretty successful at it too as they brought EP and Call from the streets of Lahore to the radios of Karachi. That’s how the nascent singers launch their albums while the stars too depend upon the press conferences and, for more exposure, the radio. There are just a few who are propitious enough to have TV coverage for their album launches.
MUSICOLOGY
IMPORT/ EXPORT
We can now see the trend of copied songs from one industry to another. A few years back we were the ones copying songs from the West or from the neighbours but the trend is changing now. We had our share if copied songs in our Lollywood. Not just the songs but even the titles of our movies are not original.
We as a nation should think about this issue. We have always been under the influence of others and have always degraded our work. If you hear a tune here you would just find it OK but if the same tune is coming from the border across, you will fall for it immediately. This is the point where we should open up our eyes and embrace our music with open arms.
This idea, like every other concept, has both optimist and pessimist notes in it. In the positive note, we should be proud of our songs adapted by others for their movies and making their people dance to their feet. Its an achievement from our side. While, on the negative tone, one should as himself why do we need an Indian label to sell our product? Why are we so much influenced by others that we don’t realize our aboloties and talent until recognized and prized by some outside source?
For instance, we had Atif Aslam’s “Bheegi Yaadein” released here and was a huge success but it gained entrance into every house of our country after being remixed by an Indian DJ for their movie. It can be justified by saying that the song in the movie may have stirred the emotions or maybe the video was too good while we didn’t even had a video of this song. Whatever the reason maybe, we should take out these negative thoughts and think positively towards the situation. The Bollywood industry which is one of the largest industries in world entertainment is depending on our artist for their music.
Among some other artist who are selling like hot cakes in India and Bollywood has tried to lay their hands on them are Strings, Ali Zafar, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Azmat. Recently, Faakhir’s song “Marjawan” from the album Aatish, Ali Zafar’s “Channo” and “Rangeen” and Waris Baig’s “Kal Shab” have been copied by the Indian music directors and are running successfully on their charts.
We have been trading in music from a long time and have been criticized a lot for that now it is our turn to export our talent and feel triumphant about it. It is time to clear out perceptions and have a constructive attitude towards life. Media broadens your horizons and with the advancements in media in Pakistan, one should be open for changes. Acceptance and appreciation are two things required in the masses towards their own music and other mediated tools.
COPYRIGHT ISSUES
Subject to certain laws of each country, royalties are generally paid to performers for the broadcast or communication to the public of their performances. A public performance licence is necessary for any broadcast of a television programme that contains music. The performance right must be licensed from the copyright owners or publishers of the composition and the sound recording used.
International music, film and software producers have commended the Pakistan government for taking urgently-needed actions to curb the mass-scale violation of copyright in the country.
Pakistan is showing that it takes seriously the need to address its severe levels of copyright piracy. Pakistan formed the Pakistan Intellectual Property Rights Organisation to oversee copyright, trademark and patent protection issues
The Pakistan Intellectual Property Rights Organization (PIPRO) has been created to oversee copyright, trademark and patent protection issues. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested nine people and confiscated more than 400,000 pirate CDs, DVDs and audio cassettes, along with 10,000 Master Discs in the course of closing down six illegal optical disc plants around Karachi.
According to Willem van Adrichem, Regional Coordinator International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI), “Pakistan has become one of the largest manufacturers of pirate discs in the world - producing over 230 million discs in 2004, of which the vast majority was exported to at least 46 countries worldwide."
A significant blow to the pirate activity in the country would encourage the local music industry, where many companies have closed their businesses due to piracy. The continued copyright protection can go a long way in promoting the Pakistani film industry, whose survival is at stake due to the losses incurred from freely available copies of unauthorized videos, CDs and DVDs."
According to a survey by The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the main sources of imported pirate film DVDs in the UK are Pakistan, Malaysia and China, while Russia has a thriving counterfeit market. (25)
Rohail Hyatt believes that people should be partially blamed for piracy too. Wee consider stealing as religiously and ethically immoral but when it comes to music, we just go for it without even realizing its consequences. The artist don’t get royalties for their product and the music channels don’t pay them royalty for each time their video goes on air. Thus, the artist suffers and his hardwork and money does not pay him back. (26)
We should take the copyright issue seriously and realize the difference plagiarize and original music being sold in the market. The people’s conscience should be strong enough to reject the pirated version just for the sake of saving few bucks and only go for the original piece of art.
Sana Fatima M.A. Previous
Magazine and Newspaper Designing
Introduction to Design
WHAT IS DESIGN?
Design is define as:
“Something designed especially a decorative or an artistic work.”
Design can also be defined as:
“A secretive plot or scheme. The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, or website.”
We can conclude the definition of designing as :
“Graphic design is the applied art of selecting, creating and arranging marks on a surface to communicate a message. These marks may be letterforms (Typography) or of other media such as drawing or photography.”
Classic theory of design:
According to the classic theory of design (or graphic design, visual design, art), the visual excitement of a work of design is a result of how the composition of the elements of design follows the principles of design. The Design Process, which encompasses the step by step and often complex path that a designer takes toward a design solution through research, exploration, re-evaluation, and revision of a design problem.
Newspaper and Magazine Designing:
Designing is about how we tell the stories and how we package the photos and other information in a newspaper or magazine. How you read a newspaper depends directly on how much the newspaper paper’s staff knows its readers and prepared the product with them in mind. Design is packaging too. Let's not forget that or be ashamed of it. Packaging is directly related to how someone interacts with a product. If you have clear, thoughtful and useful design, that positively benefits a customer's experience. But it's like the drums in a Tarzan movie: Readers shouldn't perceive good design all on its own; they should just be able to enjoy the jungle (the news). It's when the drums suddenly fall silent (when design is not working) that they become apparent.
Designing plays an important role in the sale of any magazine. Physical appearance of anything attracts the buyer weather it’s a magazine, newspaper or anything else. Half the battle is to get the reader to stop on the page. Most often this is achieved through good design, though not always. A strong headline will do the trick. If readers don't stop on a page, they won't read. If they do stop, the chances are certainly higher that they will at least browse the page and perhaps read something that they otherwise wouldn't. Good design brings the readers into a product, then into a page. More attention is given in magazine designing because magazines are long lasting and the cost and price of are also quite high as compared to newspapers
TYPES OF DESIGING:
1, Textile designing: Textile designing deals with creating designs for textiles in the apparel and Textile design, furnishing sectors. It covers both surface design and structural design. Designers handle textile or embroidery designs, prints, weaves, styles and textures. creating designs for textiles Textile designing encompasses the creative aspect of this industry and the designer's task is one of sketching, shaping and coloring fabric. The textile designer must have knowledge of yarn making, weaving knitting, dyeing and finishing process, including the knowledge of different types of looms, knitting machines, and printing processes including block, stencil, roller and silk-screens.sprints
2, Fashion designing: Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories. Most fashion designers are besides trained in designing also trained as pattern makers and modeleurs. A typical design team is made up of one or more: designer, pattern maker ,modeleur, sample maker, buyer and salesman . For presentations and catwalk shows the help of hair dressers, make-up artists, photographers, modeling agencies, the model and other support companies/professions is called upon.
3, Graphic designing: Graphic design is the applied art of selecting, creating and arranging marks on a surface to communicate a message. These marks may be letterforms (Typography) or of other media such as drawing or photography. It encompasses the creative work done in many media, such as print, digital media, motion pictures, animation, product design, packaging, and information signs 4, Architecture designing: Architecture design highlights the best in home and building makeovers. Including model buildings featuring unique housing of one-of-a-kind construction and its different types and steps involved in it.
Difference between Newspaper and Magazine designing:
The main aim in designing any newspaper or magazine is basically to sell the paper .designing plays an important role in the sale of any newspaper. There is a lot of difference in designing. We will see the differences between newspaper and magazine designing according to their own differences:
§ First of all newspaper are usually keep for a day only that why less attention is paid in designing .On the other hand magazines are usually monthly that why more attention is paid in it designing in order to attract many readers.
§ As newspapers are keep for smaller days the quality of paper used is also quite low which directly affects the designing of newspapers on the other hand papers and other stuff use for magazines is much better.
§ Newspapers are usually in grey scale and very few other colors are use in its printing but the case is different in magazine.
§ Number of advertisement in newspapers is also less as compared to magazines .In newspaper separate edition is usually publish named “advertiser” for the advertisement but the quality and quantity of advertisements in magazines is much better.
§ The number f photographs is also more as compare ton newspaper that why more importance is given o it designing.
§ The main page of any magazine is the back bone of every magazine and the special attention is given in its designing, colors, quality of papers etc.
It can be concluded that the importance of designing is much greater in the magazine designing a compared to newspapers. Magazines are the source of information but up to some extend these are usually a time pass and the cost of magazine is also high that why the designing and the quality is also better .Separate budget is there for designing, but now the trend has change and more significance is being given to newspaper designing .Use of different colors is also becoming common with the better quality of paper
History of newspaper and magazine designing in Pakistan:
The history of printing industry is interlinked with the history of magazine and newspaper designing in Pakistan. The conditions prevailing in the sphere of printing industry were even more peculiar as compare to today. Most of the plants were inadequately equipped at the time of partition of Pakistan. Even before the world war two it was the traditions in these areas to install second hand or rebuilt machines and modern processes and methods of productions were particularly unknown. During the world war although tremendous demand for printed matter and propaganda material was released, yet due to restrictions on the manufacture of machinery, sea transport and various other factors brought about by the incidence of war , it was unthinkable that any development could be achieved in those troublesome years. After partition of Pakistan it took nearly five years that the manufacturing countries restarted their programs of production. It was indeed nearly a decade after the partition that the required equipment, methods and techniques were available to Pakistan. During this period the existing plants had to bear additional burden of increased demand brought about by the establishment of our new state Pakistan. Few states owned printing plants were themselves insuffently equipped.
The art of designing in a primitive form invented first by the Chinese in the 13th century passed through many stages before it was improved and developed by the Europeans in the 15th century as a medium of reproduction. The art of designing has brought inestimable blessings to mankind. It has helped in spreading of education and knowledge. Through books and ideas of masterminds of labor copying and brought learning and education within easy reach of everyman. In ancient time when designing was unknown it was difficult to make a thing known to others. Before the invention of this art human knowledge contained hand written books and limited in number were available to the rich. After creation of Pakistan serious efforts were being made in order to establish the printing industry and so the designing of newspaper and magazines. Lately there was no importance of designing newspapers and designing but in the last twenty years it has grown widely. Even the most popular newspapers of Pakistan were giving no importance to the designing but now the trend has changed by large. As the number of newspapers and magazines was greatly increasing so the more and more significance started giving to the designing of newspaper and magazines. Lately the designing of new paper and magazines was done manually and there were experts for this purpose but due to advent of computers its designing has become quite easy and less time consuming The history of designing is very difficult to trace back. During the Mughal era designing was done in the form of “naqsh kari”. Before the arrival of computers the designing of newspaper and magazine was a complicated task. All work was used to be done manually. First of all news were prepared the pasted on papers, special transparent file was made and then there were drum machines in which the printing of newspaper and magazine used to be done. In 1967 computer came in the designing industry for the first time in Pakistan which change the whole world of designing all over the world. After that designing has become quite easy and now all the work is being done on computers through the help of different soft wares which are specially made for this purpose.
Online magazine and newspaper designing:
This is a digital age and now a day every magazine and newspaper has its online version. it would perhaps be ideal if the design approach of the paper product were to be reflected in the online versions .Unfortunately, through the internet has many virtues as a visual medium, it dose not lend itself to copying paper layouts. If you put as many pictures on a web page as there are on many magazines and newspapers, it will take an eternity to load itself onto the reader’s computer. You will probably do better with a specialist web designer who can achieve the same kind of feel and tone s the printed version. Types should be clearly legible and one must not allow the designers to do anything that will prevent users from increasing or decreasing the size of the type as they see fit. Many webpage designers have a technical background but a limited understanding of typography. The art director should insist on high standards in this area.
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Fundamentals of Design
SOFTWARES USED FOR DESIGING IN PASKISTAN:
Some of the major soft wares used in designing newspapers and magazines are as under: · Freehand · Coral draw · In page (Urdu Typing) · In design · Quark express · Adobe Photoshop · Adobe Illustrator
Earlier it was very difficult to design any newspaper or magazine but now in the digital age many soft wares have been made according to the requirements of the user which not only preserve time but also the energy of people. Previously all the work was manual but not it’s very efficiently done within short span of time and with limited number of persons.
MAJOR INSTITUTES OF DESIGNING IN PAKISTAN:
Indus Valley School of Arts (Karachi): The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture was founded in 1989 by a group of professional architects, designers and artists who believed that Karachi was in critical need of a school of excellence encompassing the disciplines of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture
Arena Multimedia (Karachi): USA based Mega Corporation in information technology; Aptech Worldwide has been providing quality computer education programs of international standard. Its software education courses are offered to students and working professionals through over 1600 centers in 34 countries.
National college of arts (Lahore): The National College of Arts has a historical tradition. Much of its present tone was set long ago when it was known as the Mayo School of Arts. Gazetteers written about the city of Lahore in 1915 describe the work being done at the school as one of the cultural highlights of the urban center.
Karachi University: At the time of creation of Pakistan as a sovereign state in 1947, means for higher education and research were negligible. Responding to the impending requirement of higher learning, Pakistan started establishing relevant educational institutions of higher learning and research and thus under went rapid modernization. The University of Karachi was established by an act of Pakistan parliament in September, 1950.
Punjab University: Established in 1882 at Lahore, the University of the Punjab is the largest and the oldest seat of higher learning in Pakistan. It was the first to be established in the sub-continent in Muslim majority area. The fact that three Nobel laureates are from this University speaks volumes for its academic and research excellence. Located in the historical and culturally alive city of Lahore, this University has played a leading role in higher. On account of its quality degrees, pleasant environment and low tuition fees the University remains the institution of first choice for admission seeking students.
Karachi School of Arts: One of the most famous fine arts institutes which covers not only fine arts but textile designing, graphic designing and sculpture making also. It is the source of inspiration that compels ideas to materialize.
It’s the product of circumstances, social, economic and political; our basic inspiration comes from the ambient circumstances.
Newspaper and Magazine Designing – Critical View (With respect of Pakistan)
Role of Graphic designing in the development of Pakistan: It may be a surprising revelation to many of us that the printing industry has not only developed itself but remarkably rapidly during these formatives years but also contributed a major share in the growth of industrial and productive potential of out country. Today there is huge number of magazines and newspapers being publish from almost every city of Pakistan. Small cities like Nawabshah, Jacobaabad have their own local newspapers. These days there is a great enthusiasm among the young educated generation for training in Graphic Arts reproduction techniques. During the early years most of the printing plants were in the nature of job presses and were equipped with letterpresses only. It goes to the credit of the local paper and board mills that Pakistan was required to switch over to offset printing very rapidly. Pakistan has achieved remarkable results in the quality of reproduction ad we do not have to fear lack of appreciation from our prospective clients in foreign countries. Another important factor in our corporate life is the need of standardization between and through the various departments of the graphic industry. Starting from the perfection of impression down to the achievement of a perfect dot it would be necessary that all concerned should exercise control and achieve quality of production that would make the final product also perfect.
Problems of Graphic Designing in Pakistan: The importance of printing cannot be overemphasized from the stand point of national, educational and cultural development. The industry directly contributes to the building up of the moral fabric to the promotion of spiritual and cultural heritage of our nation. It is however strange that even when government planners recognize the importance of the printing industry and have characterized it as the third largest employment providing industry in the country and sixth largest from the stand-point of the contribution which it makes to the economy of Pakistan, the government has not only failed to take notice of the problems which beset this industry but have themselves contributed to add to the complexity of these problems. There is a lack of interest among people regarding designing as a profession. Most of the people think it as a time pass .There are very few institutions which provide proper graphic designing educations and the fee structure of those institutes are quite high that it is not affordable for a middle class people .The government is failed to establish schools and institutes of printing and graphic art to train technical personnel capable of operating modern equipment.
Importance of designing in today’s world with respect of Pakistan: Designing is about motivating the readers. It is a career where computing and software components blend with traditional design skills such as color, composition, line and shape. Whether it’s designing a layout for a magazine, revamping a corporate identity for a major corporation or possibly designing a user interface, successful graphic design is a blend of word and image that commands your attention and communications the intended mass. The Graphic Designer combined aesthetic judgment with management skills to meet. At the same time, keeping up with technological advances that effect the design industry is of the utmost importance. The love of art and of creating ideas through design lures the graphic designer in search of visual discoveries. Graphic Designers should be educated and well informed in music literature, cinema, current events form which they receive visual and intellectual stimulus. Graphic artists use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create art that meets a client's designers aren't "artists": they don't create most of the graphics or illustrations they use, but rather create a layout with text and other designer's graphics. Some designers don't work with text at all, such as an illustrator or a digital artist. And some designers do it all: print web, layout, and illustration. What kind of jobs can you get with a graphic design degree? · Print design · Web design · Designer in an advertising agency · In-house designer for a corporation · Illustrator · Book design , Magazine and Newspaper Designing · Multimedia(movie titles, TV ads, etc.) Here are a few examples of what you might be expected to do as a graphic designer You are hired to develop a brochure. You discuss with the customer their goals, target market, design preferences. The customer supplies you with the text for the brochure, but no graphics, with the exception of their logo. You must decide how many and what colors will be used; what fonts will be used; what graphics or photographs will be used. Once you've decided the basics, you look over the text supplied. You decide what the most important elements of that text are: what should become headings, subheads, pull quotes. You come up with type treatments for those headings, subheads, body copy, etc. You decide You are hired to develop a Web site. Once again, you discuss with the customer what they want to get out of their site, which their target market is, design preferences. The customer supplies you with text and photographs. You look over the text and decide how to break the text into Web pages. You crop photos and make sure that they're optimized for the Web. You may make a mockup of how you want a basic page at the site to look — colors, fonts, and navigational graphics such as buttons. Once your customer approves your mockup, you begin to translate that into Web pages. This may include slicing graphics and developing HTML. You make sure that the pages you've developed work well in multiple resolutions, multiple borrowers and different platforms. Scope of Graphic Designing in Pakistan: As more and more newspapers and magazines are been developed in Pakistan so the demand and scope of a professional graphic designers is increasing day by day. New technologies are coming out daily, so the graphic designer has to stand up with them to give best work. There are several newspaper and magazine design jobs which are available online, offer people the chance to express both their creativity and talent to the entire world. Graphic design career for small business continues to be a profitable marketplace, this results to many medium companies setting up specializing in the creation of 'company for websites'. Internet will grow continuously in the coming years, as a result of which more demand of graphic designers would occur. A designer who can deliver the latest as per the market demands like designs for ecommerce website, content management systems, optimized flash headers will surly have a bright future Thousands of potential customers read newspapers and magazines on a daily basis, providing your products and services with a high visibility. Designing for a computer screen has its own set of problems. Add to these the elastic nature of a web page, which has to work across different computer platforms and screen sizes and browsers, and the problems get even worse. It is the designer's job to understand these issues and to address them - to maintain some kind of control when everything. In the end we can conclude that graphic designing as a profession has a wide scope in the coming times if the person has the creativity inside him along with knowledge of the latest skills and the ability to adopt to new changing world. Graphic Designing as a profession in Pakistan: There is a lot of demand for graphic designers in the present scenario. It all depends on your ability, personality and how well versed you are with the current market trends in design. There are opportunities in print houses, magazine industry, and electronic media. Students of graphic design can find employment opportunities with large corporations, industries, or design consulting firms. Working as a freelancer is also a good option but it is always better to join a firm initially to get hands- on experience. You need to keep one important factor in mind when you start off in this profession that it is your personal caliber that will lead you either to success or failure. DESIGNING has existed for centuries. Graphic designing is a profession that addresses the relationship between people and products and their thoughts. This is a broader area of design catering to consumer specific requirements .If you are well equipped with the technical knowledge to grasp the problems and needs of the industry you are associated with, then you can be a perfect fit to be a graphic designer. The scope and nature of work will depend on the passion you have for the profession. As a designer, you need to consider its market viability, as well as the economic and manufacturing problems you are likely to encounter. Apart from these, a thorough knowledge of the limitations of the product and the budget need to be kept in mind too. Large companies often have their own team of graphic designers with a chief designer heading a team. You can also specialize in a particular field of designing i.e. newspaper and magazines or book designing. Effect of designing on context, price and readership in Pakistan:
As mentioned above physical appearance attracts the readers of magazines and newspapers readers, thus good designing do effect on the context, price and readership of every newspaper and magazines. It is known facts if more and more attention is being paid to designing the budget will definitely increases. But in this case more and more buyers will attract towards the best designed magazine or newspapers and once a reader like a particular magazine or newspaper he will stick to that. Definitely superior designing requires highly skilled group of people as well as massive budget too but this works for the sale of every newspaper and magazine. This can be concluded that although high-quality designing increases the cost of every magazine or newspaper but on the other hand it also increases the readership and sale which makes the business more profitable.
Role of designing in magazines and newspaper advertisements:
As we all know that designing plays an important role in the readership of every newspaper and magazine same is the case with the advertisements. Due to huge readership people prefer to advertise their products through newspaper and a good advertisement definitely attracts the buyer. If your expenditures will be moderate, you might be able to afford a graphic designer or advertising agency. It costs nothing to find out, call a few ad agencies in the phone book and ask for an account rep. Explain you may be in the market for an agency and let them ask the questions. A quick determination will not be long in coming.
There is a lot to be said for finding a way for someone else to do your ads so you can use your talents for what you do best, running your business. Your ad will have less than eight tenths of a second to get a reader's attention. You must stop the reader's eye in less than a second, and hold it for at least three seconds to make an impression.
Collect a folder of ads that grabs reader’s attention. Gather a list of hot words. There are articles and lists throughout the internet of "selling" words. Type "Words that Sell" in any search engine.
Always Stress the Benefits a feature is what something is. A benefit is what it does. Advertise the benefits of your product or service, not the features. People don't buy something to get a feature; instead they always buy to get the benefit produced by the feature. Sell the benefits with class and your advertising can be very effective only through attractive designing.
Budget for designing newspaper and magazines in Pakistan:
In Pakistan the trend of designing as changed but usually the budget for magazine and newspaper designing is not sufficient. It is not a case of greatly money-making and have giant readership newspapers like Dawn, Jung. If we look at the magazines limitless importance is given to designing and use of different colors. As far as magazines are concerned loads of importance is given to the cover or the main page of the magazine. The cover page plays a vital role in the sale or the readership of every magazine. If we look at newspapers like Dawn or The News these newspapers have their own advertisement sections which are especially designed for the ads. But if we look at low cost magazines and especially newspapers hardly any attention is given to it.
Latest trend of magazine and newspaper designing in Pakistan: In the 1980's, the arrival of desktop publishing and the release of software such as Adobe Illustrator introduced a generation of designers to the power of the computer. Image manipulation and 3D image creation using a computer demonstrated possibilities that had previously been unachievable. Another enormous development that computers provided to designers was the ability for them to set their own type, instantly seeing how it affected their design or layout, which allowed for new and more radical use of typography. Among the earliest designers to wholeheartedly embrace computers as tools for design work were April Greiman and the aforementioned Emigre designers. Computers are now considered to be an indispensable tool used in the graphic design industry. However, a select few continue using manual and traditional tools for their creative endeavors: Jean Benoit-Levy, Studio Cyan and Milton Glaser, among others. Graphic Design has always been closely allied to the technologies of reproduction. Since the 1990's Graphic Designers have embraced the desktop computer as their primary tool. Commonly used tools include: Apple Mac computers, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks, Paint Shop Pro, Corel Graphics Suite, Macromedia Flash, and many other software programs.
Details: Sana Fatima (M.A Previous) References: INTERVIEWS:
Syed Mohammad Ali (Graphic Designer in Dawn) Azfar Ali Khan (Art Director Women’s Own) Arsalan Ahmed (Teacher of Graphic Designing Arena Multimedia) Salman Khan (Student of Graphic Designing Arena Multimedia) Khalida Haq (Visualizer in Dawn)
BOOKS:
Fundamental of design & visualization Printing and Graphic Arts Industry of Pakistan Magazine Editing
WEBSITES:
www.allgrapicdesign.com/newspaperdesign.html, www.ansawers.com, www.about.com, www.3bestwebsites.com
