Considered one of the leading tourist destinations of Pakistan due to its jaw-dropping scenic wonders, Hunza was already a major star on our list. And then we got to hear the fine vocal tunes of Natasha Baig who hails from the wondrous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. She is an incredibly talented songstress who knows what it means to feel the essence of music with a defining voice that brings together passion and fiery energy. Having already made a mark with her memorable collaborations, Coke Studio performances, and incredible singles including the one sung in Burushaski, paying homage to her homeland, Natasha knows there is no quitting now. She is committed to her craft as she continues to wow her listeners through various genres, particularly sufi rock. Speaking to Social Diary, she shared more about her incredible journey and what lies ahead in 2023. Read On:
SD: When was the first instance you knew you wanted to get into the field of music?
Natasha: It was probably when Michael Jackson died. All the channels would focus on him, showing his documentaries and music videos. Looking at him as a performer gave me that drive to become a musician myself.
SD: Without any formal music education, how did you manage to explore various music genres?
Natasha: My subconscious has a very vital role to play in this. Since music came naturally to me, my subconscious was fast enough to help me catch the formula with time, it kept polishing me.
SD: Were there any major setbacks you had to face while pursuing your career?
Natasha: Yeah. My cultural background was a major setback and the family was never in my favor until I proved everyone wrong by marking my presence in the industry.
SD: Discovering Sufi rock, were you able to garner interest from the audience as you expected?
Natasha: I was never sure about taking on the Sufi stride but I was definitely confident about Rock. My manager had a huge part to play in bringing me to the Sufi scene because I thought I was not worthy enough to do it but he had full faith in me and one day he challenged me to do a Sufi number In front of the audience just for the sake of it. I did it and the response that I got from the audience was something I will never forget.
SD: Which remains your favorite project to have worked on till now?
Natasha: I did this song called “Sitarey” by Bilal Maqsood for LSA’s 20 years celebration which featured amazing artists like Asim Azhar, Aima Baig, young stunners, and Uzair Jaswal, among others. It truly remains one of my absolute favorite projects to date.
SD: “Ya Maula” made such a major mark in the music industry, do you feel these kinds of musical projects and collaborations help in creating bridges of understanding?
Natasha: Collaborations are always very useful and needed too. With ‘Ya Maula’ the type of response I got was unexpected since the language was unfamiliar but I think collaborations are supposed to be like that since music is not defined by a linear language or pattern. It surely becomes the platform of expression and growth.
SD: Who has been your leading mentor in creating such a major musical impact in the industry?
Natasha: No one in particular but all my decisions related to music are influenced by my manager Hassan Ali Effendi since he is a composer and a lyricist too.
SD: Considering how our music is creating waves internationally, do you feel new talent can be supported in a better way?
Natasha: It is very important to get global attention because that can encourage global listeners to discover more new artists from Pakistan. Hence it is imperative that the new talent be given the right limelight on national grounds first.
SD: What more can we look forward to from you this year?
Natasha: I really want to get out of my shell and see what I can do more- musically. I’m working on some singles that I look forward to unfolding in front of my listeners and audience.
IN A GLANCE
Best moment Last Year?
Getting an LSA for the Best Live Performer of the Year
Your most prized possession?
My voice
Your favorite singer?
Adele
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Negative vibes
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone, tissues, and a chewing gum
Your life’s motto?
Live and let live
Your favorite collaboration?
‘Noor in Ala Noor’ song by Salim Suleman. I am also grateful to have sung with amazing artists like Shehzad Roy, Faisal Kapadia and Salim Merchant
Deepest Fear
Not being able to fulfill my dreams
Biggest Regret
I rescue animals so whenever I fail to rescue any animal due to any circumstances, the regret just keeps killing me and it never goes away.
