Written by: Ibrahim Younus
Posted on: March 22, 2018 | 
Call the Band and 40 Drummers at the shooting of Pakistan Zindabad
Last Monday, I witnessed history in the making inside the prestigious walls of Bradlaugh Hall, Lahore. With 23rd March just around the corner, Call the Band, Giraffe and PMR collaborated with 40 drummers from around the country, to prepare a drum anthem, ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’ Set to release on Pakistan Day, the song is meant to evoke the love of Pakistan among Pakistanis; and dare I say, it does so with a flourish.
Plaque at Bradlaugh Hall
For shooting purposes, the production team, informed me of the group’s initial desire to secure Bradlaugh Hall. Bradlaugh Hall is a historically significant site, established by the Indian National Congress as part of its Freedom Movement in 1900s. Over the years, many gatherings of a political nature took place here, and it was visited by Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and Bhagat Singh. One expects that this symbol of revolution would have been preserved by relevant authorities, yet unfortunately the edifice is crumbling. However, after considerable hassle, the group managed to achieve their objective and secured the site for the shoot.
Bradlaugh Hall
The event was unique in that all the artists funded themselves, and there were no branded sponsors, sending a loud and clear message to the audience that the performers had not been given any monetary incentives; their sole purpose was to awaken the masses through their music. Drummers ranged from the ages of 8 to 30+, sharing an equal passion and parallel skill in playing the instrument. They had started training a week and a half before the event and their devotion was evident when I inquired about their grueling routine in the run up to the final shoot. While some informed me that they had been practicing since 4 am, others remarked that they had slept on site for three days running. And yet none of them seemed tired.
Call the Band, has been missing from the music scene for a while, and made a smashing comeback with their song for the PSL ‘Peshawer Zalmi’ team, recently. When I approached Xulfi, he said, “We have been producing songs at a slow but steady pace, and we have many more planned for the future as well.” As a fan of his music, I inquired about his experience with Nescafe Basement, “I absolutely loved it. It was wonderful and I feel privileged for having being a part of something evolutionary,” he said. Regarding the drum anthem, he said, “As Pakistanis, there is no chant that feels more fulfilling than screaming Pakistan Zindabad! Nowadays, there are very few occasions where we have the opportunity to come together and chant for the well-being of our beloved country. What is even more compelling is that the musicians taking part in this have done it for the country, and haven’t charged any fees. Additionally, any proceeds we might earn from any online monetization shall go towards supporting the drummer’s fraternity, by donating as many drum-kits as possible to music academies across the country.” Since all band members were interacting with spectators during intervals, I took advantage of one such break and met Junaid Khan as well, who shared Xulfi’s enthusiasm for the drum anthem.
Bilawal Lahooti, Gumby and Ken Zerrick
The enthusiasm was ubiquitous, and visible in the conversations I had with other drummers as well, such as Daud Ramay. When I asked Daud about the experience of playing alongside 39 other drummers he said, “It’s fantastic to be a part of something that’s never been done before.” Daud has been drumming since he was a child, and remains intensely passionate about it, with hopes of converting it into a full-time profession. The drummers expressed their hopes about a brighter future of drumming in Pakistan, with events such as this one becoming more prevalent. For Shahzeb Khan, drummer of the band Those Retards, their live performance was entrancing, “When we all play together, the sound is phenomenal. To call it overwhelming would be an understatement. I hope the final version is just as enthralling.”
Fifu Kid, one of the youngest drummers
As I observed Call’s performance on stage, surrounded by a circle of drummers which included three traditional dhol walay as well, it was clear what their intention had been when embarking upon this project. Light seeped through the gaps in the ancient wooden alcoves, the drums beat along in perfect harmony, and a huge Pakistani flag served as the backdrop. There were no air conditioners and the heat was scorching, but no one seemed to care. Every participant was fully engrossed in their music, and when the song reached its climax, a unanimous shout of “Pakistan Zindabad” shook the walls of Bradlaugh Hall. A revolution this was indeed; a revolution of music.
Dhol Walay, 'BestofMastam'
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