Voice with vision: Moeed Hashmi blends new sounds with old notes

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Moeed Hashmi is a very recognisable voice in Dubai and the Gulf, being one of the musicians who have made a mark in the region with his vocals. His signature style is a melodic mix of various influences: light, classical, rock and sufi genres figure highly in his work as a singer. His musical journey began with Naatkhwaani (recital of poetry praising Prophet Muhammad, PBUH) even at the age of four. Sufi kalam (poetry sung in devotional gatherings) has always been closest to his heart: listening to and idolising legendary Pakistani Sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was an essential part of his growing years.

Hashmi’s quest for music and ever-more appreciative global audiences brought him to the UAE, a melting pot of world cultures. In the Emirates, he has performed at many prestigious events, one of them being organised by Bazm-e-Urdu Dubai, the non-political, non-religious world organisation working for the cause of the Urdu language. Hashmi aims to introduce innovations in Qawaali (a style of Muslim devotional music particularly associated with Sufis) and Sufi singing by introducing a bit of pop and rock into traditional beats. He wants to do so to make the fusion attractive for younger generations.

At home as a singer in small coffee shops or large arenas, he is a winner of many awards and accolades, including the All Pakistan Naat competition (2010); the Radio Pakistan singing competition (2013); title winner in both Naat and general singing competitions at the All-Pakistan Naat Competition (2018); winner of the All Pakistan Milli Song Competition hosted by Pakistan Television (PTV, 2019) where more than 100,000 aspirants had participated and at the All Pakistan Music Conference (2021) where he won the best singer title and the gold medal. Hashmi believes that music is an inward journey, and the deeper one delves into it, the better understanding of life and self he or she gets. Hashmi (Moeed Hashmi Official) tunes into Gulf Today’s questions here

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Do you think Naat and Sufi music have a resonance in the new millennium?

Yes, Naat or Sufi poetry or music transcend all barriers, including age and generations. Spirituality or Tasawwuf as we may call it, has a forever fresh and universal appeal and everyone at some point is drawn towards it. Having said that, we need to keep experimenting and innovating this genre and stay abreast with the latest trends, so as to keep it relevant and attractive for everyone.

Do you have favourite singers in Bollywood?

Yes, most definitely! We have all grown up on Bollywood music, and the Retro and golden era songs are especially evergreen. I particularly have great admiration for Mohammed Rafi for his matchless versatility, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and then down the years to Sonu Nigam, Arijit, Shreya and Shankar Mahadevan. There is always so much to learn from each of them!

  Moeed Hashmi is based in Dubai.

Do you like contemporary beats?

I like music, irrespective of the genre or era. I think the impact of music does not depend on whether it is new or old, but on how it soothes our senses and melts down through our ears into our souls.

What are the elements that link the music of the South Asian region?

Firstly, I feel that music, musicians and singers have no regions or boundaries: they belong nowhere while also belonging everywhere. Regarding similarities in South Asian music, I think since the cultural roots and heritage is common, the similarities of sound and rhythm is inevitable.

Does Arabic music influence you?

Yes, because the instruments are different and affect me a lot, especially Daf and Qanun. The Arabic vocal style is different than the South Asian and I like it a lot.

“Jo riyaaz karega, woh raaj karega” – those who practice, rule. Can you tell us how you train?

I strongly believe in riyaaz, and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I believe that in any skill or art form, we can never learn enough; it is a life-long taaleem or learning process. Being trained by an Ustaad or master trainer, I have been following the tips given by him. We also learn from observing and listening, apart from our regular riyaaz.

Which type of music do you listen to?

I am open to all kinds of music as long as it touches my heart and soothes my spirit. I am particularly very fond of Arabic music, sufi music, traditional Pakhtoun music and folk music of various regions.

Can you share your advice for aspiring musicians with us?

I am myself an aspiring musician/singer, so can only share what I believe in and that is that there is no substitute for hard work. We have to give more than 100 per cent for what we are passionate about. Practice is definitely important and physical fitness plays a very important role, especially for vocalists. Research and study about various genres and eras of music is important to give one better insight and exposure. If our heart is without malice, our voice will surely connect with others. We ourselves should feel and connect with what we are presenting to the audience; only then will they feel and cherish it. The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message and we, the musicians, are the messengers who have a huge responsibility to deliver its beautiful message without any distortion.