Pakistani Jazz - Jazz FM Voices

In this special edition of Jazz FM Voices, Haseeb Iqbal explores the relationship between jazz music and Pakistan.

From the thriving film industries in the 50s and 60s, to the impact of certain instruments from Pakistani instruments on western culture, he takes a deep dive into history.

Listen again here:

Before broadcast, Haseeb said:

"It feels truly special to be bringing this spectacle of my heritage onto the airwaves for my first show on national radio! "

"From the ancient Raga and Qawwali musical tropes, to the impact of the tabla on Miles Davis... I look at the tours of Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck across the country in the 50s and 60s and assess the impact of those moments.

A key part of this is Pakistan’s thriving film industry of the 60s and 70s, which was the fourth biggest in the world at the time, and inextricably linked to the music coming out of the country. I look at the link between music and film, and dive deep into the composers and singers who absorbed a nation.

The censorship laws that followed when the military dictator of the 80s took over very sadly disintegrated the heart and soul of the country - cinemas shut down and most creatives lost work and respect. I look at the orchestra who are now breathing life back into the cultural landscape of the country, trying to empower a generation that feels so disconnected from its creative heyday."

Earlier on this year, Haseeb also wrote an opinion piece for Jazz FM Voices called, 'We Will Dance Again'.

About Haseeb Iqbal

Haseeb Iqbal is a 22-year-old writer, broadcaster and DJ from north London. He has a monthly residency on Worldwide FM and also hosts his own independent podcast platform, Mare Street Records. His debut book, Noting Voices: Contemplating London's Culture, has recently been published on Rough Trade Books and is available to buy now.

You can find out more about Haseeb here.