#58 - Zair Zaki - Rhythms of Kashmir & ZAKII

#60 - Faran Bhatti - EVNTM, Hunza Verse, Pink Sun, MORPH & more

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we sit down with Faran Khan Bhatti, a former aviator and the proprietor of an event management company, a travel and tours company, and a design agency. He is also a storyteller and an advocate of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's writings. Faran was born to Abdul Ghaffar Tabassum, a renowned Sindhi poet whose work inspired artists like Abida Parveen, contributing significantly to Sindhi literature and Sufi music. His passion for music, design, and the arts stems from a family culture that deeply valued poetry and artistic expression. This background led him to establish a multi-faceted business model, including his company, EVNTM, through which he has organized several successful events: Pink Sun (2020), Hunza Verse Music Festival (2021), Morph in Karachi and Lahore, and the Pink Sun Pop-up Bazaar and Music. Faran aims to expand his business by organizing more events across Pakistan and contributing to the country’s live music scene with ambitions to operate on a global scale. FOLLOW FARAN BHATTI: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faraankhaan... Morph Code (clothing line): https://www.instagram.com/morph_code/... Hunza Verse: https://www.instagram.com/hunzaverse/ Pink Sun: https://www.instagram.com/pinksun.pk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhattispeaks?mibextid=ZbWKwL LISTEN TO ALEPH PODCAST:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0f3bWa5... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH: Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Twitter: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Buy Merchandise: https://li.sten.to/aforaleph More about A for Aleph: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/support] A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph. More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph

#59 - Natasha Baig - Sufi Rock Queen from Hunza Valley

In this episode of the A for Aleph podcast, we had the honour of welcoming Natasha Baig, a versatile Pakistani singer-songwriter from Hunza Valley, celebrated for her powerful vocals and known for her unique blend of Sufi rock and folk styles.  Despite having no formal music education, she grew up listening to mainstream artists like Abida Parveen and Michael Jackson. She began her career in 2013 as a contestant at the 'Cornetto Music Icons' TV show, as one of the six finalists, who were mentored by Zoe Viccaji. Particularly, her performance of "Dekha Na Tha" by Alamgir was praised. Soon after, she joined sufi fusion ensemble Sounds of Kolachi, as a one of the singers. She later left to pursue a solo career with her own band, including her brother Sameer Baig on guitar who was also the producer for most of her music.  Natasha gained prominence with her Burushaski tune "Ya Maula," a powerful Sufi anthem. This song propelled her into the spotlight, where she quickly became recognized for her commanding stage presence and emotive performances. During this time has performed at notable music festivals across Pakistan.  In 2016, Natasha co-founded the production company & record label Laal Series, a platform dedicated to promoting socially conscious music. Her contributions to Pakistani film and television further broadened her appeal, with her song "Jhoom Le" from the movie "Janaan" earning her a Lux Style Award nomination. She has also lent her voice to the OSTs of popular TV dramas such as "Jhooti," "Naina Aur Tum," and "Kahani Raima Aur Manahil Ki."  In 2018 she was featured on the Coke Studio Sessions along with the legendary Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwal, performing 'Jawab-e-Shikwa' written by Allama Iqbal to critical acclaim.  Natasha has released a significant amount of singles including two full-length albums which include Zariya (2020) and Khirad (2022) which is a tribute to Allama Iqbal. All of her releases are distributed through her own record label Laal Series.  FOLLOW NATASHA BAIG Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2R8t8JuhekewFBqE8OhBq8?si=HGScNUzSR5uwskx83PzPwA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/natasha-baig/1162643763 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatashaBaigOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashabaigofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashabaigofficial/ FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH: Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Twitter: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/support] A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph. More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph

#58 - Zair Zaki - Rhythms of Kashmir & ZAKII

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we are in conversation with Zair Zaki, a young Pakistani musician and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band Kashmir, formed in 2012. The band gained fame after winning Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 2 in 2017. Zair has been instrumental in the band's success, contributing to popular tracks like "Kaaghaz Ka Jahaaz" and albums such as "Khwaab" (2020) and "Zindagi" (2023). He is also known for ZAKII, his experimental side project, which explores new musical styles beyond Kashmir's traditional sound. Zair’s passion for music was fueled from a young age by rock legends like David Gilmour and John Mayer. His style combines intricate melodies with atmospheric soundscapes, evident in Kashmir’s hits like "Parwana Hun" and "Khwaab." Zair is not just a performer but also a talented songwriter whose introspective lyrics resonate with a wide audience. FOLLOW ZAKII: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CqpiCNyjpVFiZ76BWdKmK Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zakii/1604942284 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zairzaki FOLLOW KASHMIR:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BaXohQuxIv7oZGuHEBuLt Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/zindagi/1705962492 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kashmirmusicofficial LISTEN TO ALEPH PODCAST:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0f3bWa52bwJraf0GjrHheC Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-for-aleph-podcast/id1715132873 FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH: Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Twitter: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Buy Merchandise: https://li.sten.to/aforaleph More about A for Aleph: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/support] A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph. More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph

#57 - Zohaib Kazi - Producer, Director and Author

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we had the pleasure of having Zohaib Kazi in the studio -  a versatile producer, director and author who has gained prominence for his innovative approach to music and storytelling. Zohaib’s journey into Pakistan’s music industry started when he joined Frequency Media working under Rohail Hyatt, this production company was responsible for producing Coke Studio Pakistan which Zohaib later joined as a general manager and associate producer from 2009 to 2017. As someone with both an audio and video skillset, Zohaib was involved in many aspects of the production over the years - this culminated in him being asked to co-produce Season 11 with Ali Hamza in 2018.  Zohaib first gained attention with his digital album Butterfly in Space in (2012) and later released his concept album & graphic novel Ismail Ka Urdu Sheher which earned him widespread acclaim. The novel tells the story of a scientist named Ismail and his journey to connect with an alien civilization. The album’s narrative depth and unique blend of music and visual storytelling established him as a forward-thinking artist in Pakistan's music industry. He has also produced a trilogy of music travelogues, starting with "Fanoos" and "Coke Studio Explorer" and culminating with "Gulistan” which is in the process of being released currently. With this trilogy, Zohaib aims to document and preserve Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage. Buy 'Ismail Ka Urdu Shehr' Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ismail-Ka-Urdu-Sheher-illustrated/dp/9699251735  Daraz or Liberty Books: https://www.daraz.pk/products/liberty-books-ismail-ka-urdu-sheher-i433050973.html FOLLOW ZOHAIB KAZI: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KLLWcERsoHPN3Mu0Z20ci?si=GJsXgeZsTwSe5KbwjEl4aw Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zohaib-kazi/415831605 Bandcamp: https://zohaibkazi.bandcamp.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zohaibkazivideo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zohaibkazionline?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zohaibkazi?igsh=NWJmaTV0bnR3dnM3X FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH: Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Twitter: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Buy merchandise: https://li.sten.to/aforaleph More about A for Aleph: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph                                                                                     Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/supporters/new Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/support] A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph. More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph

#56 - Saif Samejo - The Sketches, Lahooti Melo and Social Activism

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we dive into the story of Saif Samejo, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the sufi band The Sketches, and also as the founder and force behind the Lahooti Melo festival. He has been instrumental in promoting Sindhi culture and language through his music. He is also involved in various cultural, social initiatives and environmental preservation initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the heritage of Sindh and the livelihood of its people.  Saif pursued English Literature at the University of Sindh, which has influenced his musical journey. He is celebrated for his efforts in preserving and promoting indigenous Pakistani music and instruments. In 2013, he launched the 'Lahooti Live Sessions', a weekly event that brings together musicians from the country to perform live music. This initiative led to the establishment of the Lahooti Music Aashram in Hyderabad/Jamshoro in 2014, Pakistan's first dedicated music school. The Aashram offers instruction in both traditional Pakistani and Western instruments. Saif’s work has garnered significant recognition, including the Latif Award from the Government of Sindh. The Sketches' song "Main Sufi Hoon" won best music video at the national HUM Television Awards. FOLLOW ‘THE SKETCHES’ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OIVrDfMAAvg2ZrKI9zSHh?si=VAtMJl_OTQOKkkPUNU7UOg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-sketches/1491363813 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sketchesart/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchesartofficial/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSketches FOLLOW LAHOOTI MELO:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lahooti Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LahootiMelo/ FOLLOW SAIF SAMEJO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saifsamejo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saifsamejo83 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTb18TywNzpgnAOrEFAvdpw FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH: Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph X: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph Buy merchandise: https://li.sten.to/aforaleph Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271983/support] A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph. More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph