Music should be appreciated in form of opportunities, says ‘Ismail & Junaid’

By Sadaf Fayyaz May 6th, 2012 ( 1 Comment )

This band is a new wave in Pashto pop music, originating from Peshawar. Their mission is to promote Pashtu culture and alter the negative perception that people hold in their minds about this culture. The band also holds an honor of receiving first position in All Pakistan Battle of the Bands Contest in 2010.

Having released two songs so far, Qarara (Peace) and Ranran (Light), with subterranean lyrics, they are working on their third track. The band has two members, Ismail Khan and Junaid Javed, mainly called Ismail & Junaid. While talking to The News Tribe (TNT) , they were like:

TNT: When you started music, what were the biggest obstacles in your way and how did you manage them?

Ismail & Junaid: We started back in 2006. The biggest obstacles were concept about musicians in Pashtun culture, family pressures, threats to musicians in KPK and we are still trying to manage them.

TNT: Your music is a bit different from normal traditional Pashto music, what was the response from audience when they heard this fusion? (of local Pashto with western?)

Ismail & Junaid: The response has been incredibly amazing. Many renowned artists in the industry starting following our kind of music and new comers are following same the footsteps, which is a big compliment for us.

TNT: How would you compare Pashto music with other forms of music?

Ismail & Junaid: Well different types of music depend on different genres. There can be as many genres in Pashto music that exist in other languages as well.

TNT: Which Pashto singers and musicians inspire you?

Ismail & Junaid: There is no specific artist or genre that inspired us. We have been listening to whatever sounds good to ears. J

TNT: What are the loopholes/issues that our Pakistani music industry need to get rid off?

Ismail & Junaid: There should be proper music schools so that more music theory can be learnt. Facilities should be provided to musicians by government on the basis of their achievements. Music should be appreciated in form of opportunities.

TNT: What are your future plans?

Ismail & Junaid: We want to make good music for our listeners till we can. We are working on our upcoming track too. It is titled as “Pakhwa” and the lyrics are by the legendary poet Amir Hamza Shinwari. It’s a soft melody and its lyrics sum up almost all aspects of life, from realities of life to emotions of Pashtuns.

TNT: Is there any revolution in Pashto music in Pakistan? Also tell about your music training.

Ismail & Junaid: Urdu music has been evolving since 80s but there is sudden change taking place in Pashto music. We call it a revolution. We have no musical training and we both are self learned musicians.

TNT: Is there any message to your fans?

Ismail & Junaid: I think the success of music lies in the hands of listeners. We are here because of the utmost support and motivation from our listeners. You guys have always been encouraging. God bless you and keep supporting.