Atif Aslam to perform in city
BOLLYWOOD’S love affair with Pakistani artists has given rise to another star making waves in the music and film industry: Atif Aslam.
One of the most talented singers to cross the Pakistani/India border, Aslam returns to South Africa for a series of concerts in July and will grace the shores of the city for the first time.
His eagerly awaited concert, a Jainoodien Initiative production, will be staged at 8pm on July 28 at the new Cape Town International Convention Centre 2.
Despite the ongoing strained political challenges and war which threatens the borders of Pakistan and India, Aslam, like many artists from these countries, has done much to bridge the cultural divide between them.
Unlike most artists Aslam doesn’t have any formal training in music. It was in 1995 while he was studying for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science that he met a fellow student who was a musician and teamed up with him doing gigs at college and nearby restaurants.
Together they formed a band, Jal and recorded a song, Aadat, which went viral and launched Aslam.
Based on the popularity of the song they started touring Pakistan and became household names.
Eventually Aslam went solo, releasing his debut album in 2004.
The album was a huge success, not only in Pakistan but across the sub-continent. It was in 2005 that prolific Bollywood film-maker Mahesh Bhatt asked Aslam for the rights to his song Woh Lamhe for the film Zeher.
The song was a massive hit and Aslam was asked to record songs for many more Bollywood films. He also contributed to the soundtracks of art films and crossover productions, including director Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, all while still producing his own albums in Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the Cape based promoters, Ashvin Narshi, describes Aslam: “It’s not easy to find someone with the perfect amount of passion, an unsurpassed desire to excel and the most intriguing blend of sass, intellect and confidence. And when you combine all of these in an unforgettable mix of musical talent, the only name that comes to mind is Atif Aslam.
“He has received more than 15 awards and distinctions and his love for music, dedication to his work and conviction has helped him win hearts around the globe.”
Aslam has a tremendous Facebook following of 20 million, plus 1 million Twitter and 3.8 million Instagram followers. He surpasses any other Pakistani celebrity in terms of popularity and international recognition.
Tickets: A1 DVD and CD Centre, call 0839927714.