Artists: Ali Zafar

By: Nadeem F. Paracha

Interesting fellow. Seems to be a better made-for-video artiste than a more seriously talented contender. Reminds me of Fakher-e-Alam (circa 1993’s Bhangra Pao). The later could never really cut it as a mentionable recording crooner, but survived purely on his video & telly friendly antics. But then that’s exactly what Alam’s sponsors are usually looking for in him, even though his 2002 effort, The Falam Connection was not all that bad. And neither is Zafar’s Huka Pani. But unfortunately the tongue-in-cheek humor usually found in his videos is hardly a frequency on the album; which makes it an entertaining bhangra-meets-Y2K-pop affair. Entirely disposable, though. Use it, enjoy it and then forget about it. Better stick with the visual sides of his talent. Can’t see any sonic waves being made by Zafar via the studio or even live.
Huka Pani is an ambitious and colourful attempt at irreverent parody-pop (ala Dr. Aur Billa) and retro-disco-laced bhangra. But the results are only mildly amusing. Perfect for teen queens bored with Jawad Ahmed.