The gift of a second chance through music

SINGER Aatif Majid channelled the hurt of a painful split into his latest song Beparwaiyan. The 38-year old British Pakistani used the emotion-filled number to open up about his personal experience of divorce from a man’s perspective. He is keen to use the track as a vehicle to highlight that men also suffer introspectively during and after divorce. Eastern Eye caught up with him to talk about music, his recently released song and more. 

How did you first connect to music?  

We always travelled everywhere with our parents and my father loved all types of music. So, we would go everywhere in my dad’s car listening to Sufi qawalis, Bollywood, Lollywood, the lot. So, I guess it started there 

What led you towards your latest single  Beparwaiyan?  

My friends always encouraged me to sing and when I went through my divorce I used music as part of my healing process. 

Tell us about the song.  

The song is about my feelings and how I travelled through this crazy journey of feeling suffocated during such a painful time. 

What made you want to talk about something so personal as a divorce?  

I wanted to share my very relatable experience with others including my nearest and dearest. I wish I had met certain individuals sooner rather than later, who helped and guided me through such tough times. I want people to know that there will always be light, at the other end of the tunnel and hopefully achieved that with this song. 

Who do you hope connects with the song?  

I’m hoping to connect with people who have a pulse for music. I want people to feel my track, feel the lyrics and music. 

How has the song helped you?  

The whole journey has been massive for me in more ways than one. Beparwaiyan has helped me find my confidence again. 

What is the plan going ahead? 

The plan going ahead is for people to hopefully appreciate my work and give me the confidence to continue making further tracks. 

What makes for a good song? 

I’m a soulful person.  A good song is one that makes you feel something, whether that is the emotion in the voice, rhythm in the sound or something else. In that regard a good song can be from any language, country or genre. If it moves you, that’s a good song. 

Who would you love to collaborate with? 

 I would love to collaborate with Naseebo Lal, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Dr Zeus, Quarat Ul Ain Balouch and Guru Randhawa. 

What inspires you?  

My parents are the biggest inspiration for me. They have always supported me and I can never thank them enough. 

Why should we pick up your latest song?  

I want you to come on a journey with me and hopefully make you feel the emotions at the heart of this song. I really want support for my music, so I am able to make more. 

Why do you love music? 

Music brought me back to life again and gave me a second chance. Without God and music I wouldn’t be here