Maha Ali Kazmi Exclusive Interview
What is your prior experience in music?
In a joint collaboration with the members of Overload band, I worked on a song called Nazar last year, whose video was directed by the band’s front man, Farhad. Our promotion strategy relied primarily on the social media and the response was overwhelming, encouraged by which I started working on a new composition.
Educational background.
I completed my undergraduate in Finance & Macroeconomics/ Management from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Where are you based?
Karachi
General background.
I was born in Karachi where I spent most of my childhood and early adult life. For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in performing arts, especially music and singing. I was an A level student when a friend asked me to join his band and I did. We used to jam together and play songs by Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Guns n’ Roses, etc. Later the band spilt and I ended up forming a rock band and started performing at PACC, I took a break briefly for some years to complete my higher education and shifted to Melbourne. When I returned after graduating, a friend asked me to audition for Cornetto Music Icon a show produced by Shahi Hasan and he selected me as part of the house band as the backup vocalist. . I think from there onwards there was no turning back. I realized I’ve always wanted to pursue music as a career. I released my debut single, Nazar, in 2013 and now I’m a full time Musician.
Genre of songs recorded in the past.
Pop/Rock
Please name the artists/musicians that have influenced your musical talent?
My inspirations include Nancy Sinatra, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Mark Knopfler, Leonard Cohen, Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, The Smiths, Moody Blues, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and the list goes on.
 What are your musical goals a few years down the road?
My foremost priority right now is to work on a Music Album.
How would you describe your music to people?
My songs are about myself, my experiences, my challenges, dream and   disappointments.
What kind of projects are you currently involved with, musically?
I’m currently focusing on writing more songs and I plan to start working on an album in the near future.
Have you had any musical training?
While I very much rue the fact that I did not have formal training in singing and it’s something I am going to make up for by taking up singing lessons further down the road, I have worked with professional musicians as part of a church choir in Melbourne which helped me a great deal understanding the nuances of an art is far more complicated than people give it credit for and that’s what makes it imperative for singers to be classically trained.
What are your expectations from Jana Nahi?
I don’t expect, nor desire, to be catapulted to stardom overnight; but this song is very close to my heart, being one of my first Urdu compositions. So it’s really important, at a personal level, that the song is well received.
Jana Nahin Lyrics by Maha Ali Kazmi
Dekho tum hume tanha choor kai
Jana nahin bhoolana nahin
Yaadon ko meri dil sai tum kabhi
Mitana nahin bhool jana nahin
Hoo lai kai in ankhon mai sitare chale
Hoo mil jaein khabon kai
Kinare hume sahare humein
To jana hume bhool jana na
Tum ko meri kasam
Chahein hai umer bher sirf tum ko sanam
Juda jo hum ho gaye tum sai yun laga jaise phir kabhi lot kai hum milein gai nahin
Saason mai meri teri kushbo hai basi
Dheemi Dheemi Mehekti howi
Tum sai hai shoro tum hi pai hai khatam
Is zindigi ki har kushi
Hoo lai kai in hooton pai fasane chale
Hoo mil jaein ulfat kai woh chahat bhare mausam hume
To jana hume bhool jana na
Tum ko meri kasam
Chahein hai umer bher sirf tum ko sanam
Juda jo hum ho gaye tum sai yun laga jaise phir kabhi loot kai hum milein gai nahin
Instrumental
To jana hume bhool jana na
Tum ko meri kasam
Chahein hai umer bher sirf tum ko sanam
Juda jo hum ho gaye tum sai yun laga jaise phir kabhi loot kai hum milein gai nahin
Tum sai kabhi hum loot kai phir milein gai nahin
