Print

    Obituary for Farhad Humayun: A Dreamer and a Fighter

    Written by: Nayha Jehangir Khan
    Posted on: June 10, 2021 |

    Farhad Humayun Drumming for his band Overload

    Farhad Humayun was known for his passionate and memorable live performances. He single handedly brought together a community of artists with his dedication to a music practice that inspired a generation of Pakistanis. He had been recovering from a recurring brain tumour and passed away on 8, June 2021, at the prime of his creativity at the age of 43. The Lahore underground music scene would not have been possible without Humayun’s commitment, generosity, tenacity and perseverance as a talented percussionist, singer, painter, composer and producer.

    In his career, Humayun created iconic music projects that included “Overload”, which transcended the boundaries of mainstream music to a new sound that combined Dhamal with Drums. Humayun, known as “Fadi” by his close friends, was renowned for his electrifying stage presence and booming vocal delivery, for which he won the adoration and love of audiences nationally and internationally.

    Farhad Humayun and his Mother Navid Shahzad

    During his time attending the National College Of Arts (NCA) Lahore, he trained in Visual Arts while pursuing his love for music by regularly performing for the Western Music Society events. Humayun started playing for the band Co-VEN during the 90’s, and later formed his rock band called Mindriot.

    But it was in 2005 that Overload released the song “Cursed”, with Humayun on drums, Hassan Mohyeddin on Percussions, Sheraz Siddiq on Keys and Pappu Saein on Dhol. The song dominated music channels, radio channels, and became synonymous with cricket fever, as it was played during matches at all national stadiums. Mobilink sponsored the band’s debut album, and during the era of national broadcasting of music videos, Overload created its own niche and identity, bringing the energy of the Dhamal to the mainstream music stage.

    Farhad Humayun Performing with Overload

    The band performed live at ceremonies, commercial and private events, universities and schools, and their performances are still remembered and celebrated by those who were in the audience at the time. Their regular live concerts at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) helped build a community that galvanized the LUMS Music Society in 1999, which has since helped bring young musical talent into the mainstream.

    Farhad Humayun Performing at LUMS

    Additionally, the rise of telecom-sponsored music which first showcased Humayun’s songs, paved the way for future collaborations between musicians and commercial agencies. In 2013, Pepsi Smash, produced by Humayun, released a collection of songs by artists including Strings, Noori, SYMT, Sajid & Zeeshan, Jarar, Ali Asad and Hussain Ali Shah. The impact of these long-term relationships between sponsored television shows and musicians can be seen in today’s Velo Sound Station, Bisconni Music, Pepsi Battle Of The Bands and Coke Studio, which are some of the country’s most popular and flourishing organizations.

    But it was the joy of performing his favorite songs, creating music programs, celebrating music-making, busking and jamming that consisted of Humayun’s own entertainment and arts company called Riot Studios. He was able to traverse artistic mediums and disciplines, designing sound & lights for theatre productions, dance performances and other events. Through his studio practice, he created, supported and produced projects and collaborations with other musicians.

    Kukis Photography of Farhad Humayun

    Riot Studios released numerous Levi’s Live sessions that started September in 2016 onwards, yearly showcasing young talents to the city of Lahore. The lineup of artists that have played on the Levis Live stage includes Keeray Makoray, Rizwan Anwar, Jal, Shiraz Uppal, Ammar Farooki, Uzair Jaswal, Diane Desobeau, Abdullah Qureshi, Maria Unera, Bayaan, Noorzadeh Raja, Rakae Jamil, Bilal Khan, Noori-the band and Farhan Saeed.

    Last year, the debut Overload album was re-released on all streaming platforms. Humayun excitedly claimed in his Facebook post, “It's a towering achievement by any band in Pakistan to release an instrumental album that surpassed sales by ALL OTHER artists that year (2005)! We stayed at the #1 spot for over twenty weeks and “Cursed”, to this day, remains the most played track on radio & celebrations. Thank you for your love & support always!”

    Farhad Humayun on the set of his Music Video 'Ho Janay Do'

    With the changing times, online streaming platforms such as Spotify, Youtube and Soundcloud have become available to the next generation, who can now experience Overload’s music. There has been a flood of heartfelt messages for Humayun after his passing by his friends, contemporaries and music fraternity, who have described him as kind, gifted and a passionate individual. Those who interacted with him as young musicians, speak of his supportive, fearless and collaborative spirit that helped mentor them as they came up in the music world. He fostered long-lasting friendships and connected deeply with others, the impact of which will live on in the Pakistani music industry through his many contributions and timeless melodies. Described as the “Loudest Band In Pakistan”, the roaring anthems of Overload will never be forgotten.

    'Cursed' by Overload


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021