NEWS DESK/CORRESPONDENT
ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels under its Cultural Diplomacy gathered young talent at Sarangi season 6 finale held at Islamabad Serena Hotel on 21 February 2023. The evening was dedicated to promoting the hidden talents of Pakistan by providing them the hotel’s platform to showcase their musical talent with a wider audience; an opportunity to become the nation’s rising stars. Sarangi, a music initiative has been encouraging young and talented individuals or group of people to celebrate our cultural heritage through their music. For season 6, over a total of 360 participants submitted their entries in the competition, of which 5 were selected by professional jury members.
The five shortlisted contestants from varying backgrounds provided an intriguing mix of musical talent on display, included Asma Aslam from Karachi, Muqaddas Younas from Lahore, Minhas Khan from Islamabad, Sajjad Ali Hussain from Faisalabad, and Rahat Francis from Quetta. Their experience and training were reflected in their styles as they performed in front of more than 300 guests, including a large number of Diplomats, Government functionaries, Corporate heads, Businessmen and music lovers, proving their mettle to the highly acclaimed musical genius Sarmad Ghafoor whose well known works include Atif Aslam’s two platinum albums including Jal Pari and he is the man behind the music of last year’s cinematic hit ‘The legend of Maula Jatt.’ The other members of the jury panel consist of illustrious Qawwal Asif Ali Santoo, who was in the tutelage of the Great Legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, along with the melodious Aima Baig, who rose to fame with the 2017 songs from the movie ‘Lahore se Aagey’ and has since been mesmerizing the audience with her electrifying performances.
The jury unanimously decided on Sajjad Ali Hussain from Faisalabad as the Winner of Sarangi Season 6, whose first album will be made through the professional music house by Serena Hotel. The other artists were also presented with the awards by the Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan (Retd) along with the judges.
Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO Serena Hotels lauded the talented performers and encouraged others to participate in the Season 7 competition. He also appreciated the three jury members for their voluntary services for this wonderful community initiative and presented them with mementos on the occasion.
ABOUT FINALISTS
Muqadas (22 years) the youngest of the finalists has been in the tutelage of the “Sur-Taal” Academy for the past year and a half and is a resident of Lahore, her forte is classical, and she prepared classical tunes for the judges.
Minhas Khan belongs to Islamabad is a 27 year old self-taught musician whose passion for music has had hm practicing and learning it for the past thirteen years, even though by education and profession he has a degree in computer sciences.
Sajjad Ali Hussain hails from the heart of Punjab and has participated in musical competitions in Faisalabad, his hometown, he has been struggling in this industry for the past 10 years and is hoping to win hearts through the Sarangi platform and be able to finally receive the opportunity that he has been hoping for.
Our fourth contestant Rahat is 24 and hails from Quetta and has been part of the church choir where his choirmaster has been his main source of learning and inspiration.
Asma Aslam is an Asset Manager from Karachi where she works with Bahria Town and is a self-taught passionate singer, whose love for music made her pursue it as a hobby on her on.