Interview: Musician Umar bin Naeem

Umar bin Naeem

Umar bin Naeem is an up-and-coming musical artist from Lahore. Three weeks ago he released ‘Mast Huwa’, a cover of the original track by Asrar. As part of Pakistan week on UrbanDuniya, I sat down with Umar to talk music, Lahore and Pakistan.

What was your inspiration to become involved in music?

Everyone has their own way to express their feelings, to show the world what they have in their hearts. Some people write, some paint, while others act. In my case I found that way in music. In the early days of my school life I started exploring my connection with music. I began as a bathroom singer and after few years I started learning professionally and rose as a stage performer: that’s how my music career began.  And I feel lucky that I can express myself through music, as a lot of people can not do that.

Umar in the studio

Why did you choose this song in particular?

A lot of people have asked me why I have done a cover of this song, and why I didn’t do my own song instead. Or why I chose this specific song? Well the answer is that this song is very, very close to my heart. For the very first time when I heard it I felt that I was listening to my own story. Every word in this song reminds me of the events which happened in my life. So I couldn’t resist doing it. And now I have ended up doing a proper cover of this song. And I think that the biggest success of an artist is when people can relate to his song.

Do you feel that Pakistan, and Lahore in particular, are good places to be a musical artist?

Yes I believe Pakistan and particularly Lahore are very good places for upcoming musicians. Lahore has always had a rich music history. A considerable improvement has been seen in the past few years in every music genre, especially pop music. A couple of music institutions are also playing a vital role, where youngsters can go to learn different music skills.

Playing a few years ago

Speaking more generally, why do you love Lahore?

I love Lahore because of its culture, its food, its history and especially the Lahori people; they are very welcoming people with big hearts. It is said that a person who has not seen Lahore has not been born yet. As compared to other cities of Pakistan, Lahore is the most peaceful city. I think this is what makes Lahore so loveable. A person who visits Lahore can’t resist from saying “Lahore lahore ae” (“Lahore is Lahore”)

Umar in Lahore, aka home

Ok, and finally, what are your plans for the future, in regards to your music?

Music is the food of my soul; I cannot imagine myself without music. For me music is something through which I can express my feelings, sadness, pain, happniess, sorrow. I don’t know what I would do if i gave up doing music. In the coming future I see myself standing on a big stage performing with my band in front of a huge audience who know me, who love me, who follow me. When I tell them to clap they do. When I ask them to dance, they do the same. They would do what ever I said. It will be a dream come true for me. I want to write such songs that people can relate to. I always say that when someone will cry while listening to my song it will be the best day of my life. I know that sounds crazy but it’s what I want to see. I want to leave the mark of my name on the music industry of Pakistan as well as the music industry of world.

To listen to Umar’s single Mast Huwa click here, and don’t forget to follow Umar on his official Facebook page.