Committed to his artistry, Omer Nadeem emerges as a dynamic singer who rejects the rat race, opting instead to create music that resonates with his true self. Unconcerned with the ticking clock, he understands that quality takes time. Despite grappling with plagiarism issues, Omer advocates for a robust legal framework addressing music copyrights. Also the influx of new singers doesn’t faze him; he firmly believes genuine talent carves its unique niche, and he possesses plenty of it to propel him forward. Dive into our engaging conversation with Omer as he shares insights into his journey and the critical issues facing the music industry.
SD: Your music hits quite differently, stirring emotions that are relatable. Can you share your creative process for coining up new songs?
Omer: Absolutely! Making music for me is like catching a wave of inspiration. Imagine I pretend to be someone else, depending on how I feel that day. First, I create a catchy tune, and that sets the mood for the song. Then, the words just kind of flow in. Sometimes, I start with a cool idea of key lyrics in my head and build the melody around it. No strict rules – I just go with the flow. Here’s a funny thing: my songs sometimes end up predicting my future. To avoid that, I’m thinking of adding some happy songs to my collection for a more cheerful future.
SD: Among your music titles, which resonates with you the most and why?
Omer: I think up until now, it has to be ‘Tera Ho Jaun.’ I was in a whole different emotional space when I made that song. Most of the vocals you hear are the raw takes I did just for myself, especially that spontaneous Rock part at the end – done in one go, no retakes. After recording it, let’s just say I had a bit of a “mein phoot phoot ke roya” moment all by myself. The song dives into my personal connection with my Creator, my selflessness, and how I submit to His will. It’s a special one for me on a personal level.
SD: Did you take on any professional training to become a singer?
Omer: Nope, I never had the chance for formal training, but I’d love to. Everything you hear is me learning on my own – just listening to great singers, studying good songs, and practicing by myself. I don’t just sing; I also compose, write, produce music, and play a few instruments. I’ve been lucky; Allah blessed me with some natural talent.
SD: How do you think the musical stance of Pakistan has progressed through the years?
Omer: In my view, as time goes on and technology improves, the true talent is somewhat fading. While we enjoy better-quality music recordings, the overall talent seems to be dwindling. If you delve into the past, you find more knowledgeable and trained singers, musicians, and poets. However, every era comes with its challenges. Social media, in a way, is like ‘bandar ke haath maachis’ – a lot of trivial stuff goes viral daily. We’re bombarded with so much data that our attention spans have become almost non-existent, making it tough for quality work to shine. There are exceptions, but we’re not quite at the point where deserving and talented individuals get the recognition they deserve. This isn’t just a Pakistani thing; it’s a global music scenario. Such is life.
SD: You had taken on a quiet stance in 2023 when it comes to new music-was there any specific reason for that?
Omer: Professionally, I’m a qualified accountant (FCCA), and life can get pretty busy. The beauty of doing music for me is that I do it when the passion strikes. It doesn’t mean I haven’t been creating in 2023 – quite a few songs are ready to be released. I had plans for something in the final quarter, but my heart couldn’t ignore the pain our brothers, sisters, and children in Palestine are enduring. We will never forget! May Allah send an army of angels to protect and fight for them, Aameen.
SD: What are your plans for 2024- any new releases we can look forward to?
Omer: Absolutely, as I mentioned earlier, there’s a lineup of songs in the works that I aim to release next year.
SD: The recent allegations leveled against Indian singer Sonu Nigam for plagiarising your 2009 song ‘Aye Khuda’ made the rounds on social media- do you feel there should be concrete steps including legal action be taken to protect artists and their work since this hasn’t happened for the first time?
Omer: You’re right; this isn’t the first time, and unfortunately, it won’t be the last. Pakistan lacks the necessary legal structure, particularly in music copyrights. There’s a lot of groundwork needed in this area, and artists’ awareness of such matters should be a priority. I’m currently in discussions with my lawyer, and the next steps will be based on their recommendations.
SD: Do you wish to get into collaborations with some well-known singers in Pakistan?
Omer: Absolutely! Collaborations bring a great dynamic, and I enjoy the unique sound that emerges. Recently, I collaborated with Zack Knight on the song “Kamlee” and with the upcoming artist Mo-Hajir on “Monotonic.” There are also a few collabs in the pipeline with Khiza. If anyone reading this is interested in collaborating, just drop me a message on my Insta @omernadeem!
SD: How do you keep an edge to your work, considering there are so many new singers marking the scene so frequently?
Omer: I don’t follow trends; I trust my creative process. The influx of new singers doesn’t affect me because I prioritize quality over quantity. As an artist, I aim to be recognized for being a good singer with good songs. Leaving a legacy for the next generations is something I value.
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
Imagination
Describe your music in one word?
Transcendent
Your favorite song?
There are too many to list. Probably Zindagi Ka Safar.
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Lies, and being in crowded places.
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone, wallet, and car key
our favorite singer?
I love NFAK, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Michael Jackson, and many more
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
It depends on what needs to be done
Desi Wear or Western
Both, depends on the situation and occasion
Deepest Fear
Fear of Allah
Biggest Regrets
I think I am still too young to answer this question
Most Prized Possession
My talent and a $3 t-shirt
Biggest Strength
Combination of trust in Allah, self-confidence, and a never-give-up attitude
Someone you wish to meet
At the moment Sonu Nigam
Top 3 things on your bucket list
- The bucket
- The list
- Fulfillment of the list
The best thing about your work
Originality and relatability
The worst thing about your work
Dealing with the business side of things in the music industry.
A song you felt you could have sung better
If I had to pick, I’d say my original “Aey Khuda” sounds way better than the recent version.
What people don’t know about you?
I’m a bit secretive – it takes time for me to get comfortable with people, but when I do, I’m a fun person to be with.
Your dream destination
Going to Pakistan, but it should feel like landing in Dubai! 
