HALF HOUR WITH ALI TARIQ Soulful, Mesmerising & Talented...
What's your favourite song to perform live and why?
‘Behka Na’ because everyone sings along to it and it’s always a magical experience.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Atif Aslam; He has always been an inspiration to me. It’s one of my dreams to work with him someday.
You rose to fame after your debut on Nescafe Basement 5 with the song, ‘Mehbooba’. Did you imagine you’d be adored by so many fans?
I had no idea that my life would change so much after ‘Mehbooba’. I remember going to college the next day and every single person took pictures with me while I was on my way to class. It was an overwhelming experience.
What's the most memorable gig you've ever played?
So, my management recently put up an ‘All Girls Gig’. It felt so good to see all the women there sing their hearts out freely without any worries. It was the best gig so far.
What's the one song you wish you had written and why?
‘Meri Kahani’ by Atif Aslam. That song makes you reminisce, takes you back to the days when you were a kid. I have a lot of memories with that song and it will always have a special place in my heart.
How would you best describe Ali Tariq?
I’m someone who’s trying to spread love and positivity through my music by sharing my personal experiences and journey, hoping to bring a meaningful presence in my fan’s life.
If you could perform in any venue or festival, which one would it be?
It’s a dream to perform at these great arenas such as O2, Wembley etc. which I think someday, ‘Inshallah’ with the love and support of my fans, I will be able to do so.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your music career, and how did you overcome it?
Coming from a humble background I faced various resource constraints, which made it challenging to showcase my capabilities and earn people's trust initially. However, I firmly believe that consistency is the driving force behind achieving one's aspirations. Every day I continue to learn and strive for improvement, steadily working towards my goals.
What's next for you musically, do you have any new releases?
Right now, I’m trying to put out as much music as I can. I have a couple of singles releasing this year. Also, I have been working on my indie side as well, can’t say when but an indie album is also on its way. I don’t want to put myself in a box, hence experimenting and trying out new stuff every day.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTO: COURTESY ALI TARIQ