1. From the following songs, which song is not about the port city of Karachi, though the ones that are about the maximum city, carry a different vision, meaning and context per song.

A) ‘JugArt’ from Laal Kabootar

B) ‘Karachi’ from Karachi: The Musical

C) ‘Karachi’ by Shamoon Ismail

D) ‘Nakhray’ by Umair Jaswal, Ahsan Pervaiz Mehdi

E) ‘Khoon Hai Karachi Ka’ by Eva B

2. Which of the following songs doesn’t reflect on the varied culture of
Lahore – with or without mentioning the term?

A) ‘Hot Mango Chutney Sauce’ by Meesha Shafi

B) ‘Gawalmundi’ by Noori (underground, cult
classic)

C) ‘Kahan Hai Tu’ by EP

D) ‘Raag Neela’ by Aaroh

3. Which artist, who has been a prolific member of the music scene for more than a decade,
influencing as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer, relocated to the United States of America?

A) Hadiqa Kiani

B) Asim Azhar

C) Kashmir

D) Omran Shafique

E) None of the above

4. Which of the following artist, originally from Pakistan, can NOT be found in the cold and beautiful world of Canada?

A) Qurram Hussain

B) Ali Kazmi

C) Meesha Shafi

D) Farooq Ahmed

Answers

1 D) Nah, that’s not the right answer. We’re just pulling your leg. Apart from D), which is a song from Velo Sound Station II by Umair Jaswal, Ahsan Pervaiz Mehdi (ft. Mahira Khan in its video), all songs that have been mentioned are most certainly connected to Karachi but each carries a unique context, vision and meaning pertaining to the city.

2 D) If you know your music well, you will have no time in recognizing that the right answer is ‘Raag Neela’ by Aaroh, the crunchy rock song.

3 D) Omran Shafique is the right answer. He moved to the USA after COVID-19 virus made it difficult for everyone including the artist community. Shafique’s move cannot dismiss his influence on the music scene, and being a part of Coke Studio, Ali Azmat (live and studio), Chand Tara Orchestra, and Mauj. A producer for a number of songs for other acts including Rushk, he was also a co-founder of Uth Records during its first season. He was also associated to Koastal and reincarnated Junoon’s live shows. –Photo by Ameeq Pirzada

4 D) Several artists from Pakistan have relocated to different parts of the world. However, Farooq Ahmed of Aaroh, migrated to United States of America, years ago. The decision to move was backed by his band, because the music scene was uneven with not many opportunities available for playing and earning.

Ahmed did show his face in recent years when he came back for Pepsi Battle of the Bands resurrection and also released some music with his band, before going back home to the USA.