ISLAMABAD: The finale of the third season of Sarangi, a music initiative that aims to nurture young talent in Pakistan, was held at Serena Hotel, where various members of the diplomatic corps, business community and Islamabad society gathered to hear the shortlisted artists.

The jury panel consisted of renowned figures of music industry, Zoe Viccaji, Asif Ali Santoo and Sarmad Ghafoor.

Mr Santoo said: “I am blown away by the quality of submission received from all over Pakistan. It was a tough challenge for us judges to shortlist only four people from 160 submissions, but we tried to do justice.”

“With the dearth of a proper music industry and opportunities for younger people, projects like Sarangi gives young musicians a platform to work towards and be heard on a larger platform. The final prize which is a song recording and music video is so apt and something I would have truly valued when I first started pursuing music,” Ms Viccaji said.

All four of the shortlisted contestants, Humail Rajpoot, Najum Saleem, Samia Gohar and Atif Sunny gave short performances which the judges assessed. Coming from diverse backgrounds, from different parts of the country, their experiences and training were reflected in their styles as they performed before more than 300 people.

Najum Saleem originates from Kashmir and started travelling to Islamabad to participate in open mic challenges.

He said: “At the moment I have no identity but I’m struggling to make a name for myself.”

The tone of his voice lent itself beautifully to a rendition of the ghazalChhaap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re, Moh Se Naina Milayke. composed by Amir Khusro, followed byTaino Pyar Ho Gaya Maino Saiyaan Kahndi Haan.

Atif Sunny, the second contestant, has had considerable formal training starting from when he was 13 years old.

Passionate about the ghazal and kafi styles, he said: “I have been practicing since I got the call that I was shortlisted.”

He performedJa Tujhe Maaf Kiyaaccompanying himself on the harmonium, followed bySaanu Ek Pal Chayn Na Aave.

Mr Santoo remarked that he sang “very well, and of course sang a song by my ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan”.

Humail Rajpoot is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who has appeared on the Pepsi Battle of the Bands twice. Currently performing solo, Humail expressed his keenness to attempt varied styles of music. He began with an original song he had written followed byAap Baithe Hain Balin Peh Meri, both of which were appreciated by the jury and the audience.

Samia Gohar is only 15 and has won the gold medal in the All Pakistan Music Conference for the past three years in the classical music category. She has also been featured on Nescafe Basement.

An exquisite rendition ofDil Dhadakne Ka Sabab Yaad Aayawas followed by theRaag Puriyawhich won her accolades from the jury.

As a special treat, Asif Ali Santoo also performed a few couplets fromTere Bina Nahi Lagda Dil Mera Dholna, Jaaniya Haaniyawhile the results were compiled.

Zoe Viccaji and Sarmad Ghafoor made the much-awaited announcement sharing that it was a very close decision. The decision was so close that Humail and Samia were both declared winners of the third season of Sarangi. Humail won the recording of a music video while Samia was awarded a full scholarship to the National College of Arts in Musicology.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2019