By Emb Hashmi
Asian World exclusively caught up with the up and coming talented musical artist Nafees he told us about his humble beginnings following his passion for music and playing to large audiences.
Please tell Asian World readers who Nafees is in his own words?
I’m just a normal guy who had the good fortune of turning his passion into his profession. I like to think of myself as a storyteller, telling the stories of my life through my music. It’s the experiences I’ve been through which I’m sure many other people have also experienced which helps me connect with people.
A little Bi-op about Nafees….?
I was born and bred in a small town in the south and moved around various cities in England, living what some may call a hard life. Yet, I would always tell my father that one day his son will become someone. Six years ago just having a banter and laugh with friends was when my journey began.
Why music, why singing?
Music has always been a passion of mine, but I never really took it seriously. I would just sing my favourite songs all the time while I was around friends. It wasn’t until I moved to Manchester and my friends and family heard me sing that they convinced me to take it further. They gave me the belief that I could actually do this.
Who inspired you?
I was a huge fan of the legends. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Gurdas Mann and Adnan Sami to name a few. The passion in their voice and the emotive lyrics were what attracted me to them in particular.
When did you start your musical journey?
I’ve been making music for 4 years now, building my confidence and fan base and most importantly learning about the industry and how it works. My 1st official video was released just over a year ago in October 2012.
Any songs that have a strong meaning to you?
All my songs have a special meaning to me as they describe a certain time in my life, what I was thinking, how I was feeling at that time. I’ve always said my music is my story and being able to express that through music will always mean the songs are special to me.
Most memorable performance to date?
Performing alongside Atif Aslam in concert was a great experience for me, especially having all my family there to support me. I recently lost my father and that was the last show that he was able to attend and see his son on the big stage. So this is something I will never forget.
Any negatives to fame?
At the start, it’s rather overwhelming getting used to all the attention and expectation, having to cope with pressure. I feel that from within certain sectors of the industry you may not get the recognition you deserve but ultimately, as long as the public is on your side that’s what matters.
Can you sing in any other languages?
In the songs I have released so far I have sung in Urdu, Punjabi and English. Once I learn to speak any other languages, I‘ll try singing in them too!
Most bizarre response to your music?
Not really a bizarre moment, more of a surreal moment for me was when I was invited to attend the Rahat Fateh Ali Concert last year. The organisers surprised me by inviting me onto the stage to sing a few lines accapela. For me this was a great shock I was put on the spot to perform in front of such a great legend. I never imagined I would have such an opportunity and it was a great honour for me especially as I got such a fantastic response from everyone.
Your lifelong dream..?
Ultimately my ambition is to release music on a global scale and if given the chance to sing in a Bollywood movie. I feel that is the pinnacle of anyones career as the standard of music is so high and the songs capture the imagination of millions around the world.
Last words for fans?
Keep showing me the love and support and I’ll keep going from strength to strength. This is the just the beginning of my journey. I love interacting with my fans and try my best to reply to all the messages I get. Fans can contact me either on www.facebook.com/NafeesMusic or www.twitter.com/Singer_Nafees or www.instagram.com/Nafees_Singer
