KARACHI: After receiving recognition in Pakistan, Mekaal Hasan Band continues to gain ground across the border, as their latest album Aandholan has been nominated for this year’s Global Indian Music Awards (GiMA) in the ‘Best Rock Album’ category. With a new Indo-Pak line-up in place, Mekaal Hasan tells that this is a moment of pride for the band.
“This is a great achievement for the band, which is unique in how it comprises both Pakistani and Indian musicians, but the music that we play is Pakistani,” says Mekaal. “So, the nomination is something we are very happy about,” he adds.
It’s interesting to see how Mekaal Hasan Band earned their spurs in a country riveted by the Bollywood film music spectacle and, with a dwindling non-film music scene. But Mekaal feels that the concert culture in India helps keep music bands alive.
“It is true that the Indian music industry is dominated by Bollywood music, which is more commercial and mainstream, but there are a lot more live shows and concerts happening in India in comparison with Pakistan,” he comments. “The culture of live shows and concerts in India has allowed other music genres to emerge in the country and, now, there is an audience for all types of music, be it Bollywood, rock or Electronic Dance Music.”
Mekaal states that Pakistani musicians and bands, such as Abida Parveen, Strings, Junoon and his own band have been performing in India since years. He clarifies, “It’s not that people in Pakistan don’t like our music. Our song Ghunghat was voted the best song of 2014 by three local publications, which shows that people in Pakistan enjoy our work.” But he feels that musicians have to look towards other avenues due to the lack of concerts in the country.
The Mekaal Hasan Band frontman shares that he may not be able to attend GiMA due to prior commitments in Lahore, but that the vocalist Sharmistha Chatterjee and management team will attend the ceremony on the band’s behalf.
