Who is Asrar? Where did he come from? Why doesn’t he have a five year record deal with one of the big record labels? Why are his videos and songs not as popular as PSY’s?
This week Sunday Sounds introduces you to this wonderful folkie from Lahore-via Hyderabad (Sindh) via Kashmir (Azad or Occupied take your pick). This is a man all music lovers need to get behind and support. And he’s another fine example of what appears to be an eternally bubbling and overflowing spring of outstanding musical creativity flowing from the zameen dharti of the subcontinent.
Mast Hua
Let's get right down to brass tacks. This simple ditty is my nomination for Song of the Year, hands down. And I don’t care that we have seven more months to go. A paean to the all consuming pagal-fying power of Love, this throw away tune has become a recent mini-sensation on the net. Asrar’s approach to his art is a stripped down one. Straightforward uncomplicated lyrics and minimal instrumentation fitted on to an addictive melody with a goodly portion of humor in the mix. Nothing is allowed to interfere with the sheer joy. Not only is this a sensational love song it has to be one of the best road songs of all time, too. Hirsute men, a harmonium, a guitar and selfie stick all crammed into a mini van! Caution: You may not be able to stop listening to this song for days at a time.
Allah hi Dega
One cannot be a Pakistani musician, it seems, without singing what I call desi gospel music: songs in praise and invocation of the Almighty. The lyrics here are unambiguous: God is the one who provides everything. And yet, it seems Asrar sahib has his doubts as the video cuts between scenes of the haves and the have-nots (including himself collecting coins from passersby, while a hungry old woman is ignored). If God is one who gives, then why do so many not have food, clothes and a place to lay their heads? The clip ends with Asrar’s answer. God may give to some, and it the duty of those who receive to share their bounty with others. A thinking-person’s Sufi song.
Ni Saiyyo Assi
Asrar’s first "official" video. Among the many things to like about Asrar’s music are his intriguing videos. Unlike the lyrics, these are often not at all straightforward. I don’t understand Punjabi and perhaps if I did the mystery of this clip would not exist. But why is he wrapped in white like some ash-covered sadhu ready for cremation? And what is the message of the beautiful woman’s features (not to mention those of her handsome opposite number) being distorted to grotesque proportions? It is refreshing to be challenged, not just pandered to, in a love song.
Nasha Nasha
Moving away from his basic folk roots to a much richer sound Asrar blends humor with longing to wonderful effect in this off-beat Valentine’s song. You don’t have to listen too closely to catch echoes of Marley, George Harrison (that very Beatlesque guitar riff), Pablo Augustus and the swooning croon of Rafi himself. What a mix! Loping as if propped upon a camel, Asrar mixes imagery both contemporary (photo kis ne li hai) and unexpected (Hai pehla pyaar aag sa/Bin piye sharab sa/Phir uske baad jaise/Chaye mein baraf) and Urdu with English to concoct a shimmering lover’s gift.
Chalak Chalak
Channelling the spirit of a past great soul (Waris Shah perhaps?) Asrar delivers another stunning song in some crumbled ruins of Punjab or Sindh. The mix of suburban college girls with their camera phones and wandering minstrels does leave ones head spinning but the syncopated harmonium sound bites keep the feet tapping and interest strong.
Hey you record executives. Wake up! Pay attention. Grab this guy quick!
This week Sunday Sounds introduces you to this wonderful folkie from Lahore-via Hyderabad (Sindh) via Kashmir (Azad or Occupied take your pick). This is a man all music lovers need to get behind and support. And he’s another fine example of what appears to be an eternally bubbling and overflowing spring of outstanding musical creativity flowing from the zameen dharti of the subcontinent.
Mast Hua
Let's get right down to brass tacks. This simple ditty is my nomination for Song of the Year, hands down. And I don’t care that we have seven more months to go. A paean to the all consuming pagal-fying power of Love, this throw away tune has become a recent mini-sensation on the net. Asrar’s approach to his art is a stripped down one. Straightforward uncomplicated lyrics and minimal instrumentation fitted on to an addictive melody with a goodly portion of humor in the mix. Nothing is allowed to interfere with the sheer joy. Not only is this a sensational love song it has to be one of the best road songs of all time, too. Hirsute men, a harmonium, a guitar and selfie stick all crammed into a mini van! Caution: You may not be able to stop listening to this song for days at a time.
Allah hi Dega
One cannot be a Pakistani musician, it seems, without singing what I call desi gospel music: songs in praise and invocation of the Almighty. The lyrics here are unambiguous: God is the one who provides everything. And yet, it seems Asrar sahib has his doubts as the video cuts between scenes of the haves and the have-nots (including himself collecting coins from passersby, while a hungry old woman is ignored). If God is one who gives, then why do so many not have food, clothes and a place to lay their heads? The clip ends with Asrar’s answer. God may give to some, and it the duty of those who receive to share their bounty with others. A thinking-person’s Sufi song.
Ni Saiyyo Assi
Asrar’s first "official" video. Among the many things to like about Asrar’s music are his intriguing videos. Unlike the lyrics, these are often not at all straightforward. I don’t understand Punjabi and perhaps if I did the mystery of this clip would not exist. But why is he wrapped in white like some ash-covered sadhu ready for cremation? And what is the message of the beautiful woman’s features (not to mention those of her handsome opposite number) being distorted to grotesque proportions? It is refreshing to be challenged, not just pandered to, in a love song.
Nasha Nasha
Moving away from his basic folk roots to a much richer sound Asrar blends humor with longing to wonderful effect in this off-beat Valentine’s song. You don’t have to listen too closely to catch echoes of Marley, George Harrison (that very Beatlesque guitar riff), Pablo Augustus and the swooning croon of Rafi himself. What a mix! Loping as if propped upon a camel, Asrar mixes imagery both contemporary (photo kis ne li hai) and unexpected (Hai pehla pyaar aag sa/Bin piye sharab sa/Phir uske baad jaise/Chaye mein baraf) and Urdu with English to concoct a shimmering lover’s gift.
Chalak Chalak
Channelling the spirit of a past great soul (Waris Shah perhaps?) Asrar delivers another stunning song in some crumbled ruins of Punjab or Sindh. The mix of suburban college girls with their camera phones and wandering minstrels does leave ones head spinning but the syncopated harmonium sound bites keep the feet tapping and interest strong.
Hey you record executives. Wake up! Pay attention. Grab this guy quick!
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!