Shayar - A musical tribute to Ahmad Faraz by Sarmad Faraz [Official Video]
Channel: Sarmad Faraz
Date: 2012-08-23

Shayar is a unique musical dedication from Sarmad Faraz to his late Father—the legendary Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz. 
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The tribute derives inspiration from Ahmad Faraz's poem 'Shayar' from his first-ever published book 'Tanha Tanha' that was released in 1954. 

This musical dedication pays a humble homage to the legendary poet whose life and work enriched and inspired many a generation. His poetry has entertained many while his struggle against oppression has set him as a role model for the common man. 

MP3 for Shayar now available at: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_14395943

Why this poem is special?
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'Shayar' was the pilot poem from Ahmad Faraz's first publication/book Tanha Tanha published in 1954. Even after almost 60 years, the words are still relevant and appropriate. The importance of this poem and its intentional placement as the pilot is a declaration of the manifesto that the great legend's work ensued in all-following work. This poem discusses the role of a poet and his transformation from being an entertainer for royalty to becoming a loud, determined and powerful voice for the common man. It's about motivation, bringing about a change, challenging ones fears and raising one's voice against oppression, status quo and injustice. In short, people who are at a position of influence such as artists, intellectuals and students should use their abilities to make their own small differences which collectively act as catalysts for an overall widespread, impactful and positive change. This message is for all our youth who have the desire to reshape our nation for the better. 

Why this tribute is unique?
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The energetic and epic musical composition attempts to compliment the powerful words and undeniably authoritative voice of Ahmad Faraz. The most special part about this track is that Ahmad Faraz is reciting 'Shayar' himself. This enhances the impact of the tune manifold!


What was the motivation behind this music tribute?
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Urdu poetry although still appreciated and admired by many is gradually losing its appeal amongst the younger generation that is now joining the bandwagon of globalization. Poetry now unfortunately needs to be sugar coated for our youth to absorb and enjoy unlike previous generations where people enjoyed literature by picking up a book. 

In light of this scenario, I decided to create a musical dedication so that it can be easily consumed by our youth. By using Faraz sahib's own voice I feel the essence of his underlying message and impact has been preserved.


What's the underlying message?
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The poem 'Shayar' by Ahmad Faraz is about motivation; bringing about a change; and raising your voice against oppression and injustice. In short it's about overcoming apathy and fear to defeat oppression and to do what's right. Furthermore, people who are at a position of influence such as artists, intellectuals and students should use their abilities to make a difference and act as catalysts to bring about a impactful, widespread and positive change. The message of 'Shayar' is for all our youth who have the desire to reshape our nation for the better.

Another important aspect of this poem is to follow one's dreams and bringing about an individual and internal revolution. Following ones dreams and breaking free from the shackles of social compliance and the status quo is what is the need of the hour, and we all need to realize that.

What's the music about?
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The music for 'Shayar' is Sarmad Faraz's musical interpretation of the poem and symbolizes a journey of transformation. It symbolizes the traversal from realization to actually bringing about a change in one's self. If we all were to change ourselves we would cause a revolution of historic mentions.


What's the video about?
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The video is about four characters representing different segments of our society who are undergoing their own personal struggles in society while their dreams are constantly held back by social conformance and status quo. In short they are stuck in the daily grind and are just part of a capitalist rat race. The video depicts the stories of their realization and how that realization drives them to follow their dreams. The video also has a lot of visuals of Faraz sahib reciting the poem and Sarmad Faraz translating his inspiration from Shayar into music.