hen I think of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, I recall his profound poetry and his enduring legacy. Faiz wasn’t just a revered poet; he was ‘hamara’ (our) Faiz, a symbol of revolutionary ideas and love. Each reader finds unique meaning in his work, and his poetry has become a staple in Pakistan’s cultural landscape. His work has become so ingrained in the cultural fabric that it has even reached Pakistan’s biggest music platform, Coke Studio. In short, Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s name is now synonymous with musical expression.

Esteemed artists like Nayyara Noor, Tina Sani, Iqbal Bano, Noor Jehan, and Mehdi Hasan have deeply engaged with his poetry, producing renditions that are iconic and timeless. These performances have set a high bar, making it challenging for new singers to match their profound impact. The same reverence and challenge apply to the works of other legendary poets.

However, a name often overlooked among these extraordinary singers is Nazia Zuberi Hassan. Lacking the widespread recognition of a Coke Studio appearance and viewing herself as a student of master poets, she hasn’t garnered the recognition she deserves.

Nazia shattered this obscurity with a meticulously curated performance at NAPA last month. Before delving into her deep appreciation for Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s works, let’s explore the other renditions she shared with the audience.

She undertook a demanding repertoire, and from what I can discern, she executed each rendition with heartfelt skill. It was akin to witnessing the sunrise after a long night of darkness. Her selection spoke volumes: ‘Cha Rahi Kari Ghata’ by Begum Akhtar, ‘Ye Hasseen Shaam’ by Parveen Shakir, ‘Kare Badarwa Aaey’ by Habib Wali Mohammad, ‘Gaarche Su Baar’ by Saifuddin Saif, ‘Woh Tu Khushbo Hai’ by Parveen Shakir, ‘Mohe Apne Hi Rang Mein Rang’ by Amir Khusrau, ‘Jo Piya Aawan Keh Gaye’ by Amir Khusrau, and ‘Shikwa’ by Allama Iqbal (where Nazia was joined by Ruby Haider, reciting ‘Jawab-e-Shikwa’).

Examining this list closely reveals the daunting nature of her endeavor—a profound and uplifting effort in which Nazia triumphed. Her mastery was so compelling that it swept away the day’s cares, evoking deep emotions in many by nightfall.

Online, one can find numerous singers attempting their own versions, a testament to the courage required to perform in public spaces. But by doing so, she sparked interest in the historical context of these verses, their........

© The News on Sunday