Print

    Zamad Baig and Pakistan Idol: Revitalizing a stagnant music industry

    First Pakistan Idol Zamad Baig

    Written by: Sadeem Shaikh
    Posted on: February 10, 2015 | | 中文

    First Pakistan Idol Zamad Baig

    Up until the late 2000s, the Pakistani music industry had a plethora of talented musicians, rising amidst a vulnerable socio-political setting. They followed in the footsteps of musical maestros Junoon and Vital Signs, whose enchanting tunes and lyrical sophistication have earned them global recognition. In recent years, however, Pakistani music enthusiasts have seen very few upcoming artists make it to the professional leagues, and the music industry has taken a nosedive. As a result, there has also been a dearth of creativity and ingenuity in the business. Considering the withering security situation in the country and the diminishing profits for musicians, there are understandably very few willing to take forward the works of earlier musicians who elevated the industry.

    However, in the midst of this difficult time, there remain some outstanding exceptions in the field, who choose to value their musical passion over the monetary rewards that come with it, and who are motivated to transform and revive a stagnating industry. They have finally come up to the surface, discreetly heeding to the calls of a desperate populace through subtle lyrical messages in their music. One of these bright and daring minds is Zamad Baig, the first Pakistan Idol.  

    After a tongue-tying finale, Baig emerged as the winner of Pakistan Idol in April 2014. He was showered with opportunities to make large sums of money, but instead chose to “go where the heart longs to be”; to address the struggles of a country marred with socio-economic and political strife.

    Baig’s life before his triumph at Idol is just as fascinating. In his own words, the prospect of taking part in a national competition seemed a distant reality in his teenage years. Little did he know that his life would transform in a few years.

    First Pakistan Idol Zamad Baig

    Baig (center) performs at the Alhamra in 2014

    Baig’s wonderful voice was quick to attract attention in his school. Encouraged by colleagues, he began participating in music competitions at school and later in college. Over time, having gained confidence, he formed a multitude of bands and performed Sufi songs at prestigious venues such as the Ali Auditorium in Lahore. However, throughout this period, Baig always sought to find something more challenging and fulfilling. This feeling enabled him to muster the courage to finally audition for Pakistan Idol in 2013.

    An ardent supporter of individual will and positivity, Baig reminisces about the struggles he faced in the six months leading up to him finally becoming Pakistan Idol. Every day of the competition turned out to be a different scramble, but Baig remained consistent with his performances. He was always a fan of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan due to “the strength, truth and authenticity in his lyrical expression”. Despite being in the bottom three for a record four times, he took it as a “confidence booster”, and remained motivated. Ironically, his reason behind auditioning for Pakistan Idol was never to seek glory. He never questioned whether he would win or lose; his real motivation was simply to do something he loved, and to accomplish it with complete devotion. Baig’s detachment from seeking fame and recognition is evident in a simple statement he made to every contestant: “No title has ever made an artist in this world”. Such was the transformative power of the reality show that Baig admitted to have entered “as a boy”, and left “as a man”.

    First Pakistan Idol Zamad Baig

    Baig rejoices with his family upon winning Pakistan Idol

    Baig’s future prospects seem bright; his first album, set to be released in January 2015, is his biggest project so far. Realizing the importance attached to this effort, Baig is adamant on making music that is not only true to his personality, but to the wider context of contemporary Pakistani society. The album will be a comprehensive gel of Baig’s influences, which include eastern as well as western psychedelic music, demonstrated in the raw voice Pakistanis fell for in the first place.

    People in this day and age have forgotten to be inspired, and fail to appreciate the ingenuity required to perpetuate good music. Moreover, most are unable to delve deeper into the lyrical content of songs, a crucial aspect that is often overlooked today. While mystic elements of Sufi lyricism are sure to surface in Baig’s album, his primary aim is to make people aware of the various shortcomings that have started to run unrestrained in Pakistani music culture. In a fragile society where the intricacy of music is slowly fading away, it is important to appreciate the tireless efforts of artists such as Zamad Baig, who are willing to overcome any obstacles in order to restore the greatness of the once vibrant and inventive music industry of Pakistan. It is this sort of audaciousness and tenacity which can improve and evolve the society we find ourselves in today.

    Zamad Baig sings Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's "Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai"


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021