This Season, Coke Studio welcomes the man who many feel is the King of Bhangra in our country. In walks Abrar-ul-Haq, the name that made his mark in the Pakistani music industry with hit songs such as ‘Billo de Ghar’, ‘Rung Rung’ and ‘Preeto’. Starting his journey from Narowal, Punjab, Abrar went on to study Social Sciences and later became a teacher at the prestigious Aitchison College in Lahore. However, one thing that prevailed alongside the academic route was his passion for his music and this manifested in 1995 with Abrar’s first album ‘Billo de Ghar’. With massive acclaim and 5 more albums to follow, Abrar-ul-Haq remains one of Pakistan’s most prolific artists particularly in the Punjabi tradition. Abrar is also an avid philanthropist and humanitarian – he is the founder of SAHARA for Life Trust as well as the Sughra Shafi Medical Complex in Narowal. He aims to encourage the promotion of health and education in the country’s most remote areas.
‘Music has the power to cross boundaries as it does travel abroad and creates a stir. We also listen to Western music as it does connect with our hearts, if not why would we play or listen to it? Given the music that I make, no one would imagine that Abrar listens to Western music but much of my college days were spent listening to Western tunes. Music is a powerful thing because it can connect with anyone. If there is the potential, there should be flexibility. If we can listen to their music, they can also listen to ours. These boundaries can definitely be crossed.’
His song ‘Paani da Bulbula’ was recently used in the film ‘Zinda Bhaag’ alongside some of the country’s top musical talent. This Season Abrar reconnects with his music after a hiatus of several years and joins the Coke Studio journey with all his Punjabi zest.
Watch artist profile below:
