Sumaira Altaf – Pakistan’s Best Kept Music Secret
By Siraj Khan
Boston, MA
In 1979, American school-teacher Anita Ward announced her arrival as a singer and created a sensation in the world of music through her chart-topping disco hit “Ring My Bell”. This single reached #1 in the US, UK and Canada. The concept of the first school bell ringing in the morning, setting the tone for the entire school for the day, be it students, the teachers or the principal, remains as a profound statement for life for all of us.
45 years later in Pakistan, another brilliant young teacher is attempting to make a mark as a singer of some merit. Sumaira Altaf is a multi-faceted artist and educator from Islamabad, whose collective passions emerge as a confluence of music and education. Holding a university degree and currently pursuing advanced management studies, Sumaira's academic foundation is complemented by her musical prowess, a young refreshing voice, confident of touching the inner chords of any listener.
She has just released two songs, both old classics, to pay homage to South Asia’s incomparable singing legend Madam Noor Jehan. Interestingly, both songs were originally penned by the iconic lyricist Tanvir Naqvi and composed by none other than the late music director Rashid Attre, in the late 1950s. Sumaira’s new releases are like old vintage wine in a new bottle, providing not just awareness, but extending the life of these classics for the benefit of the young generation, giving them the opportunity to turn back the pages of music history.
Zindagi hai ya kisi ka intezar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMWim2724QA
Chhan chhan baje payal baje https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXy8sIcsEfs
Classically trained under the tutelage of Ustad Shaiq A. Chishty in California USA (God bless technology), Sumaira's vocal repertoire encompasses an impressive array of genres, including ghazal, semi-classical, pop, folk, Sufi, and film songs. And that’s not all. Her artistic expression is further enriched by her proficiency in Qur’anic recitation with Qirat. Since embarking on her musical journey, Sumaira has garnered recognition quickly through regular performances on various esteemed and vibrant platforms such as PTV Home, PTV Global, PTV News, ATV, and Radio Pakistan, Islamabad. Her talent has been further acknowledged through certificates of appreciation from PTV News, PTV Home, Islamabad Club and elsewhere, testimony of her talent.
As a dedicated artist with a sharp focus and drive, Sumaira continues to share her melodic gifts openly with the audience worldwide optimizing the technology available, and captivating hearts through her private concerts and public performances. Recently, she connected with Shahbaz Tanvir Naqvi, the chip of the old block, of his illustrious father. Published by Mavra Publishers Lahore, Shahbaz’s recent anthology Ujala is a must read for anyone who is even remotely inclined towards classy Urdu poetry. Ghazals sung from this book are a likely outcome from this musical alliance. Also, not mentioning here of the book on Tanvir Naqvi Dil Ka Diya Jalaya penned by Punjabi film scriptwriter, lyricist and actor Raheem Sikkedar, would be poetic injustice.
Sumaira Altaf seems to be fully immersed in art and culture, calling herself Pakki Pakistani, driven by inspiration from her family and connoisseurs of quality music. Most importantly, though, it is Sumaira’s own unbonded spirit, which propels her forward. Melodic Sumaira is poised to spread her wings and fly wherever music and destiny take her. It is her desire to build invisible bridges wherever she can, in her musical journey and connect with people and places. She is a rising star, knocking at the door of stardom, for all those who have discovered her amazing talents and are aware that the day isn’t far when she will be a singing sensation.
