Recently the entertainment industry of Pakistan has seen a fierce debate being carried out by a famous singer and actor Waris Baig. Popular Pakistani singer Mohammad Ali Baig relating to the field of music and other aspects involved including composed melodies has vociferously condemned the lucrative music show Coke Studio and ace cricketer Wasim Akram. The remarks have elicited reactions on social media platforms, with the fans’ association and practitioners of the industry giving their views on the same.
Waris Baig’s Stance on Coke Studio
Coke Studio since day one is that show that has always helped Pakistan’s music industry by merging traditional music with trendy music. It has gained popularity with time not only in Pakistan but almost all around the world today. However, recent statement/s by Waris Baig have landed the show in a lot of controversy.
According to Baig, Coke Studio is not serving its intended goal anymore for which he elaborates as follows. As per him, the platform, which once captured the very spirit of Pakistani music, has become obsessed with hit rates. He complains that the show has gone off as a baseless show to promote artists who according to him do not depict the diverse musical tradition of Pakistan. Baig appears to be an embodiment of these traditionalists who complain that modern-day performers distort equal or even better versions of songs by failing to capture the cultural meaning of the songs.
Wasim Akram in the Line of Fire
But there are people like Waris Baig who also expressed his criticism not only at Coke Studio. He also did not miss out on former cricketer and Debbie opulent Wasim Akram, who is arguably the most recognized hero in the whole of Pakistan. Some of the retired players like Akram have shifted to other sectors such as media and endorsements After retirement and this is where Baig pointed out that Akram participated in activities that he deemed were not worthy of a sports icon.
Baig’s comments about Wasim Akram were shocking to many especially that Akram is a sports icon in Pakistan. Some of the issues that were raised by the author regarding Akram’s choices for endorsing brands and involving himself in entertainment-related events included. However, Baig himself said that a personality of Akram’s stature should grace his presence on more selective public Brian; thus, Akram’s participation in some of these ventures would lower his status.
Public and Industry Reactions
People’s response to Waris Baig’s remark has been rather divided. On one hand, some people agree with his ideas, particularly on the issue of the commodification Of music such as Coke Studio. These supporters insist that Baig has an idea in her comment about how traditional music is being flooded and there is an instance that there is a need to look for ways to balance between innovation and conservation of cultural music.
On the other hand, some people disagree with Baig’s statements claiming they are irrelevant and that Coke Studio and other similar projects have introduced Pakistani music to the contemporary world while preserving its roots. Some of them argue that it is impossible to advance the music industry by having a new talent to replace the other, and aging artists should embrace the change rather than prepare to fight it.
The Broader Implications
This series of criticisms that Waris Baig and others have made has helped to bring the main issues that Pakistan’s entertainment industry needs to face into light. You get to see the conflict between the old and new era, and how some iconic figures in the cultural world view the changes in the industry.
Baig’s criticism also provides some insight into the significance of war heroes, silver-voiced singers, and Super Bowl champions in today’s media culture. This raises questions on how such personalities should plan their careers in an evolving market that is blurring the distinction between the forms of media.
Conclusion
Due to Waris Baig’s critique of Coke Studio and Wasim Akram, the debate has necessarily been widened and concerns the development of the entertainment industry of Pakistan. While some believe that his comments were right in the sense that he aimed at preserving the culture’s people’s heritage, others say that the famous anchor’s comments are stereotypical and a form of rebuffing progressive advances. For all one knows, it has not even ended yet and is set to resume the obsessive discourse around music, media, and celebrity culture in Pakistan for the foreseeable future.
