Passing the torch

Published October 18, 2015
Malaika Kazi
Malaika Kazi

While it’s true that artistic talent is instinctive, it is pertinent to realise that training and grooming polish an artist. Music academies are important for two main reasons: crafting the music skills of novice campaigners and perhaps more importantly engaging the youth in productive activities.

In this context, a venture of Mizmaar guitarist Kashan Admani, drummer Alfred D’mello and guitar instructor Jeremy Kenneth Vas, Spaark (School of Performing Arts and Recording, Karachi) was launched with an intimate gig at a café in Karachi.

The students performed a live set of over an hour, with songs ranging from the ’80s, a few current pop, rock and some Pakistani tracks. The list included covers of Girl on Fire (Alicia Keys), Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) and Nishaan (Noorie).

So how did the trio come up with the idea of opening an academy? “We thought establishing a music school would be a great service to the community. The venture introduces music to students of all ages interested in learning it for fun or as a career choice,” said Kashan Admani.


In order to create maestros you first need to fine-tune their aesthetics


Jeremy Kenneth Vas added, “It’s important for our musicians to set the bar high so that the next generation can take it to the next level.”

“The music scene in Pakistan is currently scattered and as senior musicians we feel that the future for upcoming talent should be more promising. Establishing institutions where music is taught will guarantee talented and technically proficient musicians and ensure the growth and sustainability of the Pakistani music industry in times to come,” said Alfred D’ Mello.

Mahnoor Pirzada
Mahnoor Pirzada

Back to the launch and the performers included Sulaiman Uqalli, Danish Ayub, Ahad Hussain, Hassan Shabbir, Malaika Kazi, Shiza Saqib, Samaa Siddiqui, Mahnoor Pirzada, Noor Mandviwalla, Shahzeb Shunaid and Zuraiz.

Malaika Kazi, who performed earlier in Kashan’s Dream Station Studios on a Michael Jackson cover said, “The experience was life-changing. I got to perform with other singers and musicians my age which made me more confident as a singer. It also gave me a chance to be mentored by Sir Jeremy and Sir Alfred.”

Talented guitarist Mahnoor Pirzada showed an inclination towards Western blues, jazz and rock music. She turned out to be an Usman Riaz fan.

Noor Mandviwala voiced her thoughts, “I think Pakistani music is quite unrecognised and that’s sad because it’s unique. It should be more widely appreciated rather than just pop songs on the radio. I listen to everything from old ghazals and qawwalis to modern Pakistani rock songs.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine October 18th , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.