The Pioneer of Sufi Music and the Grand-Daddies of Rock “Junoon” Invokes Junoon in Pakistanis This Independence Day

14th August is finally here and while each Independence Day creates an atmosphere of immense patriotism and passion for the public, this year has proven to be slightly different. This is due to the backdrop against which Pakistan’s 71st Independence Day is expected to be celebrated, namely the election of a new government and the people’s will and ambition to change their futures through the power of their vote.

 

 

Throughout history, the passing of the mantle from one government to another has never been easy. This is because of the variety of political ideologies in existence combined with the vested interests of various stakeholders which has, in turn, caused major divisions within the nation. While many may not be able to see eye to eye on matters related to politics, some are still able to bond with each other over music. Music has the power to energize and connect people across various cultures and faiths as well as open hearts to fulfilling and satisfying relationships. Everyone remembers swaying to the infectious tunes of anthems such as ‘Hai jazba junoon to himmat na haar’ and ‘Junoon say aur Ishq say”. Sung by one of Pakistan’s biggest rock bands, Junoon, these songs give us hope to this day, that there is still light at the end of the tunnel and that we have what it takes to deliver a bright future for upcoming generations. In light of that sentiment, we are about to witness the reunion of the century, one that is set to bring the whole nation together onto one platform, united in their love for their motherland – the grand-daddies of Rock, the legendary and the evergreen – Junoon.

‘Sooper Hai Pakistan ka Junoon’, an initiative brought to light by Peek Freans Sooper, Pakistan’s leading biscuit brand, aims to unite Pakistanis using the power of music. Junoon’s illustrious career of soul-stirring rhythms and groundbreaking anthems have been inspiring people for generations; with their efforts, under the banner of SooperHai Pakistan, EBM plans to continue that drive of reigniting the spirit of the nation and invoking their sense of passion for the greater good.

A short clip showing all three members of Junoon – Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O’Connell – singing their all-time hit ‘Yaro Yehi Dosti Hai’ against a backdrop with the words, “Sooper hai Pakistan ka Junoon” etched over it was recently broadcast on all major social and electronic media outlets and, needless to say, fans were shocked. Seeing their favorite music icons together once more brought back good memories for many as well as a deep sense of hope for the future.

After 14 glorious years of making high energy and impactful music, the band had parted ways somewhere in the mid-2000s citing ‘personal differences’. Yet, 13 years later, here they were, all under the same roof, albeit with a few changes. Ali Azmat’s long and lustrous locks are noticeably absent while Salman Ahmed’s outfits have grown all the more colorful. It is only Brian who remains no different from his former self, with same zen-like expression and the maturity of a Tibetan monk.

In spite of all this, Junoon’s junoon not only remains intact but carries the potential to match the junoon of their many junoonis a.k.a. their fans. This time, they are back with Iqbal’s insightful message of Khudi; self-realization and self-awareness. The revolutionary poem that Iqbal wrote to reignite the passion of youth, the same passion that steered them towards independence in 1947, carries its own relevance in today’s times. This message remind us that if we continue to strive against all odds for the achievement of our goals then, we too, will have attained glory and ensured our place in history as the people who brought about lasting change for all.

Tu Shaheen Hai Parvaaz Hai Kaam Tera

Tere Aagey Aasman Or Bhi Hain…

Good luck Junoon! Good luck Pakistan! Pakistan Paindabad!

Guest Post by: Nida F Sameer

Nida F Sameer started her career as a broadcast journalist with Geo news and was the first face the news channel that changed the course of television broadcasting in Pakistan. Known for her bold and articulate style she later continued as senior producer and anchor at SamaaTV  before settling down in New York. Passionate about progressive Pakistan she tweets about minority, women and human rights  through her twitter handle at : @nidaFsameer