Beghairat Brigade: Truly Beghairat or just Honest?
Aalu Anday by this rock band, a group of rather young singers, who were both having fun, and providing some devastating commentary on Pakistani politics, made interesting use of their music video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEpnwCPgH7g&ab_channel=Curiosity
The song starts with the lament of a spoilt child (our country?), who is being unreasonably picky about their food. Therein starts the social commentary, about food and inflation, and how something as staple as daal is now more expensive as compared to something as luxurious as chicken. It is imperative to note that this video was released during the PPP government, when there was a rather obvious power struggle going on between the establishment, the ruling political party, and opposition parties.
The lyrics become increasingly politically aware, talking about COAS extensions, police corruption, extremism, unlawful arrests, all in a fun, catchy and melodious manner.
"Aithay Qadri banay-ya nawab-e,
Ithay hero Ajmal Qasab-e
Mullah nassay-ya wich hijab-e,
Ithay Abdus Salam tunu puchda hi koi nahi"
To me, the smartest move is perhaps the use of posters in the music video, out rightly saying what the lyrics thought to be too damaging.
"Nawaz Sharif Bye Bye - Papa Kiyani no Likey You"
"Free Judiciary = PPP Hanged"
and so on.
Lastly, to say what these kids assumed everyone will end up saying any ways, they humorously end with this poster
To me, this was one of the first songs I heard with devastating political commentary, humor and cultural know-how, and entertainment value.
If you get the chance to listen to this song, let me know what you think about it!
- S. Fatima Tahseen.