With a voice that blends cultural heritage and bold individuality, Schumaila Rehmat Hussain is redefining Pakistan’s independent music scene. From the emotional depth of ghazals to fearless collaborations, her art bridges the poetic and political. In this exclusive interview with Social Diary, she shares a journey marked by resistance, reinvention, and an unshakable commitment to authenticity—one that’s opening doors for a new generation of female artists.
SD: Your music carries a deeply soulful quality. Where does that come from?
Schumaila: The soulful quality in my music stems from immersing myself in the heart of each tune and honing the uniqueness of my voice. It’s a gradual process of evolution. I focus on rendering beauty through the voice, drawing from various compositions, and internalizing the essence of each song. I’ve been influenced by legends like Tina Sani, Begum Akhtar, Madam Noor Jehan, and many others who shaped my musical sensibilities.
SD: How do you manage to balance creative freedom with industry expectations as a composer and producer?
Schumaila: I’ve carved out my own creative space, especially at a time when there wasn’t much happening on that front. The industry is welcoming, but criticism comes just as easily. I may not always meet the industry’s expectations, but I’m creating work that’s being appreciated. It’s about evolving and building structured compositions that eventually get noticed.
SD: Your compositions often have a storytelling element. What draws you to that style?
Schumaila: Storytelling is part of our roots. We’ve grown up listening to stories. For me, music is a form of expression—my way of channeling emotions. When I compose, I try to remain true to the story’s essence. How the listener connects to it isn’t something I control, but my passion lies in continuing to create from a place of honesty.
SD: You’ve had an ongoing collaboration with Sarmad Khoosat. Can you share more about your work together?
Schumaila: I’ve known Sarmad for over a decade. For his film Manto, I composed a ghazal by Ghalib. We’ve collaborated many times, and each experience has had depth and purpose. It’s been truly rewarding.
SD: You often incorporate Sufi poetry in your work. What inspires that?
Schumaila: Sufi poetry is visionary—it looks at what lies ahead while staying rooted in the past. It encourages reflection and acceptance. The challenges don’t come from the poetry itself but from art in general, which is full of obstacles. The freedom lies in how you interpret and present it.
SD: Your work often blends emotion, culture, and modern elements. How do you balance these?
Schumaila: My work reflects raw emotion because that’s what makes it relatable. Our culture is rich and deeply human, and as it evolves, it naturally embraces modernism. I believe independent artists are already evolving. How far they go depends on their commitment. While capitalism has affected the industry, I try to avoid being driven by it. I focus on staying true to the art rather than the commercial demands.
SD: Do you think music can bring about social change?
Schumaila: Absolutely. Music has the power to inspire change, especially when it’s a collective effort. Sadly, over the past few decades, creativity has declined. Ghazals stopped being produced, and legendary voices like Mehdi Hassan and Madam Noor Jehan were no longer there to lead. Money became the priority, not the by-product. When I began working with ghazals 10 years ago, I was told it wouldn’t work—but I pursued it. Today, there’s a return to minimalism and a renewed interest in ghazals. But real change only comes when it’s done together.
SD: How do you approach collaborations in your work?
Schumaila: A true collaboration happens when artists come together to create something meaningful—not just when two brands merge. It’s about mutual respect, shared energy, and creative spontaneity. My upcoming third album Tar is the result of the last two years of my life. It includes six tracks and is releasing this September. It’s one of my most heartfelt projects.
SD: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially women?
Schumaila: Musicians should study their craft. Being a celebrity doesn’t make you a musician. Honesty, connection with your audience, and listening to a variety of composers can bring depth and variation to your work. Among female musicians, I can count only a few who are seriously dedicated to composition. That area still needs much more focus.
SD: You’ve spoken about how female musicians today are more performance-focused. What are your thoughts on that?
Schumaila: In the past, artists like Abida Ji, Tina Sani, and Madam Noor Jehan had dedicated composers who tailored music for them. Today, female artists are more focused on performing in Western styles, which doesn’t always reflect our culture. We can’t focus solely on appearance. No one told Abida Ji to change her hair or go on a diet. The focus was always on the art. Our talent should stand independently—especially in a space where male musicians still dominate.
