The Rise and Rise of Hasan Raheem
From recording low-budget videos in empty plots in Karachi’s DHA to recording a hit record on Pakistan’s most prestigious music platform – what is it about Hasan Raheem that has launched him into the world of fame.
You know when parents say, “Get your degree first, then you can do whatever you want”? Well, Hasan Raheem took that seriously. He’s fulfilling his Hannah Montana potential to the fullest in his quest to find the best of both worlds, and the end result is that Raheem is a doctor by day and a glamorous rock star by night.
Maybe it’s the safety net of his MBBS, or pure passion, or both which has led him to stay committed to his original and unique style rather than being swayed by what will attract big time fame. Despite the fact that videos for Aesay Kesay and Joona were shot in random empty plots and supermarket aisles, they have an undeniably quirky vibe and are obviously committed to giving the Pakistani audience something refreshing.
We all know how much Pakistanis love Qawalis and our classical instruments and vocal techniques, however Hasan Raheem is looking towards the future. In his Forbes article – yes, he has one – Raheem commented upon his commitment to redirecting the Pakistani music industry to produce what the upcoming generations want to hear. While this does raise a debate over the fate of our cultural and traditional techniques, Raheem is also accurate in pointing out that younger generations prefer the new hip-hop and Indie vibe. He does have a point in capturing that market to ensure greater exposure for the Pakistani music industry and encouraging the younger crowd to support our national talents than waiting for Coldplay to miraculously come to Pakistan. However, Raheem has also said that it’s been very difficult to convince older members of the industry to share his vision. I mean, you can’t really play Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hay at a rave for too long these days.
My conclusion is, it’s not just his good looks and charm which have made him such a big deal – as many critics believe. In my mind, it’s more his vision for the Pakistani music industry as a whole. This has motivated him to collaborate with a diverse crowd of artists and take him under his wing as he gets bigger and better. An example is his recent Coke Studio hit, Peechay Hutt, with the Justin Bibis. The duo soak up a major amount of limelight with Raheem supplying the backup vocals for a major part of the song. His lack of dependence upon his music to earn him a livelihood has made it possible for him to stay loyal to his originality and style, through which he sets new trends left, right and center (who doesn’t own a pink hoodie these days?).
Lastly, it’s important to remember that he didn’t suddenly burst into the scene. His commitment to his own originality meant that he kept working on his material, and when the world was ready for it, he was there to take it by storm.