you & me
Uber talented, Nehaal Naseem is a young artist with a dynamic genre. She is known for ‘Beqadra’- her debut track released in 2023, followed by ‘Ijazat cover’. Naseem began her music career in 2016. When her cover went viral she was only 11 years old. “I have been a bathroom singer since childhood. Growing up, I was exposed to artists like Atif Aslam, Abrar ul Haq, and Hadiqa jee. I have always had a fascination with audiences, and being the centre of attention,” elucidates Naseem, who has also done several OSTs for Pakistani dramas and web series. These days she is working on a few major collaborations for her debut EP. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of Nehaal Naseem who is also Spotify’s singer of the month. Read on…
What is your specialised field of singing?
Anything with a catchy melody and lyrics that can strike a chord with my audience.
What is your most memorable concert to date?
Probably my first performance back when I was only 11 years old. I was literally shaking with fear, but I knew my family was watching me in the crowd, so I had to pull myself together. I didn’t even have any musicians with me. The audience started to sing along with me as soon as I began, and that gave me a huge boost of confidence; after that the fear was gone.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
I feel blessed and thankful. 7-year-old Nehaal never imagined she would be here so early. I am so grateful for where I am right now and the love that I’ve received so far is almost surreal.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
It’s the digital age and with a strong platform like Spotify pushing for them, I think a lot of female artists can now get the visibility that they deserve. I’ve personally learned about many new female artists from this campaign. I hope this program is successful in levelling the playing field.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.
‘Beqadra’ is honestly my baby. The fact that fans love it the same way I do is what keeps me going.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
Aap Jesa Koi, Beqadra and Bloodline by Ariana Grande.
Have you released any music albums so far?
No. But I’m working on creating my EP.
Your favourite international music celebrities?
It has got to be Chris Brown and Kehlani.
Who is your icon in the music industry?
Britney Spears. But I really admire Nazia Hassan jee as well.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music was something that made me feel confident and proud of myself initially. It’s been a way for me to express some of my deepest feelings, and has enabled me to connect with millions of people worldwide.
Who was your favourite pop star while growing up?
Michael Jackson. There’s a reason they called him the ‘King of Pop’. He’s probably still the best live performer I have ever seen.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
Piano.
Your most irritating habit…
I can sleep like a baby for hours. You can beat a drum in front of me and I won’t move a muscle.
You don’t like people who are…
Anyone who is rude.
You are afraid of…
I’m afraid of heights.
Your most valuable possession?
My parents.
Your all-time favourite movie?
It has to be Jab We Met.
Are you a shopaholic?
I don’t feel the need to be one. It’s funny how my parents make sure my wardrobe is always overflowing with clothes.
What bores you the most?
Studying Chemistry.
You are crazy about…
I am crazy about cats. No discrimination in breeds; just cats in general make me go crazy. I think having 9 cats is enough to prove my craziness.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I like to spend my Sunday’s cooking something new and getting a reward from baba as well.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
Nowadays I’ve been obsessed with Arabic songs, and the melody of El Water El Hasas by Sherine has been stuck in my mind.
If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour, whom would you choose?
I would definitely choose Christian Kuria.
Your favourite hangout?
Hanging out with my siblings, in general, is very wholesome and fun. So, I’d say long drives with loud 00’s music with them.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
Nach Punjaban by Abrar ul Haq is a banger.
What’s the last thing you bought?
The last thing I bought was a gift for my father and best friend.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
I’d rather visit the future as the loss or gain of people would make me realise how I need to spend my time and energy.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Myself. Every day is a good day for being a better version of myself. Competing with others only brings your downfall to you.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
Learning and respecting old music is also important for us because it reminds us of our roots and origin.
What books are on your bedside table?
The Kite Runner and Peer e Kamil.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
The only thing I do as soon as I wake up is whine for some time and then get ready for school.
When I am not working, I am usually…
Studying or listening to music.
You get super uncomfortable when…
When people don’t respect the boundaries of others.
The biggest misconception about you is
My age. People think I’m a lot older than I am. Wearing makeup and dressing up on social media and not showing my school life as much are probably the reasons why.
Something very few people know about you…
That I don’t like chocolates, yet that’s the thing that is gifted to me the most.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Let’s see.