Written by: Nayha Jehangir Khan
Posted on: June 10, 2021 | 
Farhad Humayun Drumming for his band Overload
Farhad Humayun was known for his passionate and memorable live performances. He single handedly brought together a community of artists with his dedication to a music practice that inspired a generation of Pakistanis. He had been recovering from a recurring brain tumour and passed away on 8, June 2021, at the prime of his creativity at the age of 43. The Lahore underground music scene would not have been possible without Humayun’s commitment, generosity, tenacity and perseverance as a talented percussionist, singer, painter, composer and producer.
In his career, Humayun created iconic music projects that included “Overload”, which transcended the boundaries of mainstream music to a new sound that combined Dhamal with Drums. Humayun, known as “Fadi” by his close friends, was renowned for his electrifying stage presence and booming vocal delivery, for which he won the adoration and love of audiences nationally and internationally.
Farhad Humayun and his Mother Navid Shahzad
During his time attending the National College Of Arts (NCA) Lahore, he trained in Visual Arts while pursuing his love for music by regularly performing for the Western Music Society events. Humayun started playing for the band Co-VEN during the 90’s, and later formed his rock band called Mindriot.
But it was in 2005 that Overload released the song “Cursed”, with Humayun on drums, Hassan Mohyeddin on Percussions, Sheraz Siddiq on Keys and Pappu Saein on Dhol. The song dominated music channels, radio channels, and became synonymous with cricket fever, as it was played during matches at all national stadiums. Mobilink sponsored the band’s debut album, and during the era of national broadcasting of music videos, Overload created its own niche and identity, bringing the energy of the Dhamal to the mainstream music stage.
Farhad Humayun Performing with Overload
The band performed live at ceremonies, commercial and private events, universities and schools, and their performances are still remembered and celebrated by those who were in the audience at the time. Their regular live concerts at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) helped build a community that galvanized the LUMS Music Society in 1999, which has since helped bring young musical talent into the mainstream.
Farhad Humayun Performing at LUMS
Additionally, the rise of telecom-sponsored music which first showcased Humayun’s songs, paved the way for future collaborations between musicians and commercial agencies. In 2013, Pepsi Smash, produced by Humayun, released a collection of songs by artists including Strings, Noori, SYMT, Sajid & Zeeshan, Jarar, Ali Asad and Hussain Ali Shah. The impact of these long-term relationships between sponsored television shows and musicians can be seen in today’s Velo Sound Station, Bisconni Music, Pepsi Battle Of The Bands and Coke Studio, which are some of the country’s most popular and flourishing organizations.
But it was the joy of performing his favorite songs, creating music programs, celebrating music-making, busking and jamming that consisted of Humayun’s own entertainment and arts company called Riot Studios. He was able to traverse artistic mediums and disciplines, designing sound & lights for theatre productions, dance performances and other events. Through his studio practice, he created, supported and produced projects and collaborations with other musicians.
Kukis Photography of Farhad Humayun
Riot Studios released numerous Levi’s Live sessions that started September in 2016 onwards, yearly showcasing young talents to the city of Lahore. The lineup of artists that have played on the Levis Live stage includes Keeray Makoray, Rizwan Anwar, Jal, Shiraz Uppal, Ammar Farooki, Uzair Jaswal, Diane Desobeau, Abdullah Qureshi, Maria Unera, Bayaan, Noorzadeh Raja, Rakae Jamil, Bilal Khan, Noori-the band and Farhan Saeed.
Last year, the debut Overload album was re-released on all streaming platforms. Humayun excitedly claimed in his Facebook post, “It's a towering achievement by any band in Pakistan to release an instrumental album that surpassed sales by ALL OTHER artists that year (2005)! We stayed at the #1 spot for over twenty weeks and “Cursed”, to this day, remains the most played track on radio & celebrations. Thank you for your love & support always!”
Farhad Humayun on the set of his Music Video 'Ho Janay Do'
With the changing times, online streaming platforms such as Spotify, Youtube and Soundcloud have become available to the next generation, who can now experience Overload’s music. There has been a flood of heartfelt messages for Humayun after his passing by his friends, contemporaries and music fraternity, who have described him as kind, gifted and a passionate individual. Those who interacted with him as young musicians, speak of his supportive, fearless and collaborative spirit that helped mentor them as they came up in the music world. He fostered long-lasting friendships and connected deeply with others, the impact of which will live on in the Pakistani music industry through his many contributions and timeless melodies. Described as the “Loudest Band In Pakistan”, the roaring anthems of Overload will never be forgotten.
'Cursed' by Overload
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