Shuja Haider

Shuja Haider or Shuja Hyder (Urdu: شجاع حیدر‎) is a Pakistani singer, songwriter, composer, music director and record producer. Haider is best known as a playback singer for films Khuda Kay Liye (2007) and Bol (2011) and more recently for his work on Coke Studio, Pakistan. Haider served as music director for Lux Style Awards for two years. He has produced over 50 albums in his career thus far[1] and is considered one of the most established music producers in Pakistan today.[2]

For the Pakistani cricketer, see Shuja Haider (cricketer).

Shuja Haider

شجاع حیدر
Background information
Born (1982-11-20) November 20, 1982
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • composer
  • music director
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • keyboards
Years active2005 – present
Labels
  • Mainstage Productions
  • Soundscape
  • Bisconni Music
  • Shuja Haider Music
Associated acts

Early life and background

Shuja Haider was born in Lahore, Pakistan to Sajid Ali, a singer-musician, and is one of four siblings.[3] His grandfather was renowned Pakistani pianist, Master Sadiq Ali (1935-1984), often referred to as the master pianist of the subcontinent.[4][5][6] Exposed to numerous genres of music from across the world as a child, Haider started dabbling in music at the age of seven, although his primary interest was in athletics. He recalls that he always wanted to be a cricketer, inspired at a young age by cricketers Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad and Imran Khan.[3]

Haider's family moved to Karachi, Pakistan in the early 1990s, just as the city was becoming a cultural and creative hub for young musicians from all over Pakistan due to the influx of pop music and TV music channels. Haider eventually decided to pursue a career in music, and his main interest was in songwriting, composing and producing music. He notes that he spent significant time during this period learning the ropes of digital music production which was still a relatively new technology at the time.

Haider lists Sting, Coldplay, Henry Mancini and John Williams, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan among his musical influences[3][7] and has stated that listening to the Bee Gees, The Carpenters, Queen, Abba and The Beatles as a teenager was particularly impactful for him.[8][9] He recalls that seeing composers such as Bakhshi-Wazir at close quarters helped him understand the nuances of making music: "I’m very lucky that I saw them making songs. It’s by watching them that I learnt a little about how a song is made, how its weight should be distributed, and what tempo it should be in."[8] Haider lists Gustavo Santaolalla as his favourite composer.[7]

Career

Career beginnings

Haider established his own recording studio, Speed of Sound, in 1996[7][10] and produced Haroon's first solo album Haroon Ki Awaz in 2000 and Ahmed Jahanzeb's second studio album Parastish in 2003.[2] Soon after, he rose to prominence as a singer[7][10] with his very first single, Tera Woh Pyar, composed by two of his brothers and released in 2004-05 by the Indus Media Group. In 2008, Haider wrote and performed a song for the Indian film Ru Ba Ru. He has since done work as songwriter, composer and vocalist for Pakistani drama soundtracks (known as OSTs) including Tum Mere Hi Rehna (2014), Muqaddas (2015), Sehra Main Safar (2015), Mann Mayal (2016),[11] Baaghi (2017), and Alif (2019). Haider is known for his collaborations with Shoaib Mansoor in his films Khuda Kay Liye (2007) and Bol, where he recorded solos and duets with Ahmed Jahanzeb.[12]

Work in Coke Studio

Haider made his Coke Studio debut in 2016 as music director and songwriter in Season 9, with Aaqa (sung by Ali Sethi and Abida Parveen) and Khaki Banda (sung by Ahmed Jahanzeb and Umair Jaswal).[13] Aaqa received praise for its "beautiful melody"[14] and "thoughtful flourishes."[15] Haider was lauded for his composition and arrangement in Khaki Banda, as well as for his innovation in incorporating Bulleh Shah's Sufi verses into the song.[16] Haider's songwriting in both Aaqa and Khaki Banda was noted for its Sufi-rock fusion, evocative imagery and devotional expression.[1][17] In the same season of Coke Studio, Haider also directed a medley of two of his original singles — Tera Woh Pyar (originally released in 2004)[18] and Nawazishein Karam — performed by Asim Azhar and Momina Mustehsan. In the season finale, Haider made his debut as a vocalist on Coke Studio, with Sab Jag Soye, performing with Quratulain Balouch.

The following year, in Coke Studio Season 10, Haider continued to work as a producer but also wrote, composed, and sang Baanware with Aima Baig. He also wrote, composed and directed Allahu Akbar[1] (a traditional hamd sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Ahmed Jahanzeb). The song received critical acclaim for its "complex structure" and "larger-than-life atmosphere,"[1] and Haider was praised for his ability to blend "Middle-Eastern and South Asian musical motifs."[1] In the same season, Haider directed Dam Mast Qalandar (sung by Umair Jaswal and Jabar Abbas), as a musical tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as well as Jaan-e-Bahaaraan (sung by Ali Zafar) as a musical tribute to the composer Master Inayat Hussain.[19]

In Coke Studio Season 12, Haider performed the song Saiyyan with Rachel Viccaji, produced by Rohail Hyatt, the co-creator of Coke Studio. The composition was praised for its striking visual metaphors and its fusion of traditional Punjabi folk music with a playful musical arrangement.[17] Haider continues to be closely associated with Coke Studio Pakistan and has been credited with bringing greater variety to the show in recent years.[20]

Other work

In 2017, Haider announced his work on Soundscape, meant to be an interactive, multi-city live music series that would feature a number of artistes from around the country, representing different musical genres.[21][22] Although largely completed, this project is currently on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Also in 2017, Haider featured in and produced music for Season 5 of National Ka Pakistan, a reality adventure show on YouTube that explored and highlighted the unique culinary diversity across the four provinces of Pakistan.[23][24]

In the aftermath of the murder of Zainab Ansari in 2018, Haider wrote, composed and sang the song Jeevan Daan (featuring Saba Qamar) which addressed gender inequality and child abuse.[25] In 2020, Haider produced and composed music for Season 3 of Strepsils Stereo,[26][27] the first musical platform in Pakistan to focus on producing a cappella music[28] and presenting new musical talent.[29]

Creative process and approach to music

Haider has stated in various interviews that for traditional Eastern classical music to survive, it is necessary to blend it with Western music to make it more accessible and attractive to listeners today.[2] Haider's music aims to highlight traditional compositions and instruments while thematically reinterpreting them in a modern context.[30] Fusing musical styles, cutting across genres, and experimenting with arrangements is therefore a prominent feature in Haider's music.[22]

Haider is also a vocal advocate for creating original music as opposed to the current culture of churning out cover songs, stating in an interview that "cover songs...(are)…the formula for overnight fame. But let’s not overdo it as at the end of the day you only become a respectable star in your own right when you bring about original numbers that create ripples."[31] In another interview, he similarly contended, "I personally don't agree with the practice. You can't own someone else's work. You cannot put your own name on someone else's art."[32] Despite his significant success as a singer, Haider has stated in various interviews that he primarily considers himself a composer, songwriter and record producer: "Personally, I have always enjoyed creating music far more than singing. This is what I’ve acquired over time – songwriting, that is...Going on stage and making people raise their hands to applaud frantically for me was never my thing."[31]

Discography

Singles
  • Funn Mitti Se (2018)
  • Jeevan Daan (2018)
  • Kya Ho Gaya Hai (2020)
  • Teri Qasam (2021)
  • Rabba (2021)
  • Na Janoo (2021)
  • Dil Machis Hai (2021)
  • Dukh (2021)
  • Baghi - Unplugged (2021)
  • Allah o Akbar (2021)
  • Faslon Ko Takaluf (2021)
  • Mere Maula (2021)
  • Alif - Unplugged (2021)
  • Jeena (2021)
  • Safina (2021)
  • Baanware - Original Version (2021)
  • Main Urra - Special Version (2021)
  • Mumkin (as composer and producer) for Strepsils Stereo Season 3, (2020)
  • Udikan Laiyan Mein, for Strepsils Stereo Season 3, (2021)

Film

Television (OSTs)

Coke Studio Pakistan
Song Episode Notes
Aaqa 01 Composer
Khaaki Banda 03 Composer and lyricist
Aaya Laariye 04 Composer
Tera Woh Pyar/Nawazishen Karam 06 Composer
Sab Jag Soye 07 Composer and singer
Song Episode Notes
Allahu Akbar 01 Composer and lyricist
Jaan e baharan 02 Composer and lyricist
Sab Maaya Hai 05 Composer
Dam Mast Qalandar 06 Composer
Baanware 07 Lyricist, composer, singer
Song Episode Notes
Aatish 04 Singer, Composer and lyricist
Jind Mahiya 07 Singer, Composer and lyricist
Song Episode Notes
Saiyaan 02 Singer, Composer and lyricist
Song Episode Notes
Na Tutteya Ve 01 Composer and lyricist[36]
Har Funn Mola 03 Composer and lyricist[37]

Filmography

Television
YearTitleRole Notes
2020 Alif Shuja Haider (As himself) Episode 20 & 21

References
  1. "Coke Studio: Shuja Haider's 'Allahu Akbar' creates waves". The Nation. August 12, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  2. "Shuja Haider: the unsung star of Pakistani music". The Express Tribune. June 15, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  3. Shuja Haider's Journey from Tera Wo Pyar to Baaghi on Rewind with Samina Peerzada | Coke Studio, retrieved August 28, 2021
  4. Shuja haider exclusive interview 2021 Talks about secrets of his whole life journey....Must watch, retrieved August 29, 2021
  5. Studio, Coke. "Shuja Haider - Season 12 Blogs". Coke Studio. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  6. "Ah! Those old radio days". apnaorg.com. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  7. raza, Nida. "Shuja Haider". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  8. Studio, Coke. "Shuja Haider - Season 12 Blogs". Coke Studio. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  9. Nasreen, Gul. "SHUJA HAIDER". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  10. "Artists - Season 11 - Coke Studio Pakistan". www.cokestudio.com.pk. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  11. "Hum TV's Drama 'Mann Mayal' OST, Timings & Pictures". brandsynario. January 23, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  12. Ansari, Hasan (June 15, 2016). "Shuja Haider: the unsung star of Pakistani music". The Express Tribune. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
  13. "Coke Studio 9: Episode 3 belongs to Abida Parveen, Ahmed Jehanzeb". The Express Tribune. August 27, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  14. "In conversation with the maestro | Instep | thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  15. "20 Greatest Songs From Coke Studio Pakistan And India, Ranked". HuffPost. November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  16. "One song made Umair Jaswal quit 'partying' and hit the prayer mat". The Express Tribune. December 19, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  17. "'Coke Studio' to release Episode 2 of Season 12 on Friday". Daily Times. October 23, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  18. Nasreen, Gul. "SHUJA HAIDER". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  19. "Episode 2 of Coke Studio Season 10 features mega stars and memorable songs". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  20. Sarym, Ahmed (August 17, 2017). "I always felt Coke Studio needed more variety, says Shuja Haider". Images. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  21. NewsBytes. "Shuja Haider announces Soundscape". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  22. "Shuja Haider releases the official logo for 'SOUNDSCAPE'". The Nation. October 31, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  23. Sponsor (December 23, 2017). "Fall in love with Pakistan all over again with chef Saadat Siddiqui and singer Shuja Haider". Images. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  24. Edition, Team (December 23, 2017). "10 things from National ka Pakistan we can relate to". Edition.pk. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  25. "Saba Qamar, Shuja Haider fight for children's rights in latest song". The Express Tribune. June 30, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  26. "Music maestro set to launch 'Strepsils Stereo' Season 3". Daily Times. October 11, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  27. Nasreen, Gul. "SHUJA HAIDER". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  28. lahoretimes (November 3, 2020). "Shuja Haider Brings his Magic to Strespsils Stereo Season 3". Lahore Times. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  29. "Strepsils Stereo's new song is a celebration of true moments of love". Daily Times. October 20, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  30. "Shuja Haider announces his passion project, 'Soundscape'". The Express Tribune. August 22, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  31. "How the Mega-talented Shuja Haider happened to us". Runway Pakistan. January 18, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  32. "Cover songs shouldn't be a musician's claim to fame: Shuja Haider". The Express Tribune. April 23, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  33. "Verna OST is a triumph". TNS – The News on Sunday. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  34. "Pukaar (Ost) By Shuja Haider Mp3 Song Download – Mr-Jatt". sites.google.com. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  35. Mein Na Janoo | OST | HUM TV | Drama. Retrieved February 16, 2020 – via YouTube.
  36. Studio, Coke. "Na Tutteya Ve – Season 2020 Blogs". Coke Studio. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  37. Studio, Coke. "Har Funn Maula – Season 2020 Blogs". Coke Studio. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
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