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Faisal Kapadia, co-founder of former music group Strings, is no longer chasing his bucket list but is back to music. Soon after returning to music via Coke Studio 14, Faisal wants to focus on social causes, embracing futuristic music, as well as a giving a nod to the good old days of Strings.
As his song on Coke Studio 14 is scheduled to drop any day now, Faisal Kapadia is spreading joy and making Pakistan proud. Talking to Instep just a day after his first solo concert as part of Dubai Expo 2020, he described what the experience was like and what it meant to him.
“I was a ball of emotions,” he began. “Apart from excitement, there was an element of being jittery because it was very different. Firstly, I was going on stage after two years, and secondly, as a solo artist now, so it created a sense of mixed emotions.”
Faisal went on, “When you start something new, there’s always a sense of nervousness and excitement. Your past baggage stays with you but there is a sense of starting something that’s new.”
One of Pakistan’s foremost singers, he confessed that some elements made the experience comforting for him. Former Strings players such as guitarist Adeel Ali and keyboardist Haider Ali were also a part of the show, “as well as Asif,” which made it grounding. “These three people I was with made me feel more collected. Then there was Euphoria (Indian music group) with whom Strings have performed together for nearly 20 years. I’m close to Palash Sen (vocalist). He is such a kind human being and we really get along well so that was delightful.”
The universal love of fans, according to Faisal, who want to see you onstage, also plays a role. Meeting them and performing for them is also another comforting experience. Faisal told Instep, “I couldn’t be more grateful to God. He’s paving the path for me.”
Another major element which made Faisal Kapadia happy as he played his first concert was that he was representing Pakistan. “It was a tri-nation concert. Euphoria was representing India; James and Nagar Baul members were representing Bangladesh and I was representing Pakistan and I was very humbled and honoured to be a part of that space.”
Faisal Kapadia (Main) image credit: Photographer: @abdullahharisfilms Stylist: @maryamraja Wardrobe: @mango Hair & Makeup: @nabila_salon
Dubai is becoming a hotspot for Pakistani musicians. When they’re not playing Dubai Expo 2020, they’re still playing shows and one prominent name on that list is that of Turhan James.
Based in Karachi and born and bred in Ottawa, Canada, Turhan James is among the hottest DJs and music producers in Pakistan. His recent accomplishment is being opening act for a live performance by headliner - the Grammy Award winner - DJ/Producer Tiesto. The performance took place earlier in March at Coca Cola Arena. Pakistan’s acting royalty (and once rock music leader via EP) Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan were in attendance, as well as music icon and now solo act Faisal Kapadia.
Prior to his gig as supporting act for Tiesto, Turhan James was the support opening act for a live performance by headliner DJ/ producer Martin Garrix during December 2021 at the same venue. He has also opened for FDVM in Pakistan and played during Solis Music & Arts Festival in Pakistan, featuring the likes of Clean Bandit among others.
While Turhan is growing his name as a live performer, he’s also releasing original music. In addition to “chill tracks”, his musical discography is growing with songs such as ‘Normal Life’ (with Hasan Raheem and Ansar), ‘Chasing Serotonin’, ‘Feel Alive’ (Taha G) and ‘Sayee’ ft. Maanu. For the video-audio, he worked with a slew of indie musicians and created the composition for ‘Sayee’.
To be a supporting artist for someone as prominent as Tiesto, ranked the greatest DJ in the world more than once, shows a promising career for Turhan. He is an artist who can cater to an international audience as a DJ and create songs that can cater to a large audience.
If you follow Pakistan’s growing rap industry that has permeated even its biggest platform, the behemoth Coke Studio, you probably know one or both of these names. But if you don’t like rap, just remember ‘Power Di Game’ by Xpolymer Dar featuring Mahira Khan channeling ferociousness she never has before and Haroon Shahid for a film called Verna. Irrespective of what you think of the film, the song is gripping and apart from putting Xpolymer Dar on a much larger map due to Khan’s following, the song was and still is so strong that you have to admit his talent is beyond a film-promotional song.
So, when two rappers with different backgrounds collaborate, it’s a good idea to give them a chance at least once. Why? Because once you do, you’ll realize just how sharp this merger of a different beat, ciphers and sounds is.
Xpolymer Dar has grit, Adil Omar has grit, but each depicts a formidable yet sonically daring and distinct narrative. For what is maybe the first time, the two artists have collaborated for a song called ‘Boom Bap Baap Rap’
The song is essentially by Xpolymer Dar but Adil Omar is a featured artist. It’s almost a north-meets-south-like collaboration, and that is why it works. Aware of his surroundings and with no filter, Xpolymer starts the song without any inhibition, loaded with self-confidence and by the time Adil arrives, the table has been set. You know his self-belief maybe his greatest weapon and he uses it to give more edge. He isn’t shy to admit it. Multiple languages, collaboration on creation of the song, it’s good to see unlikely artists teaming up to talk about what’s on their minds, especially if they’re shooting for the stars, literally and otherwise, especially when they’re not looking to pander to a market that can easily get saturated.
