Laal
Laal is a musical band from Pakistan known for singing socialist political songs, especially those written by leftist Urdu poets such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib. The band received mainstream attention during the Lawyers’ Movement, in which it led support to the reinstatement of the then deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The band put to music one of the poems written by leading lawyer Aitezaz Ahsan during the movement, “Kal, Aaj, Aur Kal”.
In just one year the band has gained recognition allover Pakistan. They have performed in almost all the major cities as well as many smaller towns. On their fanclub page, Shahram has invited all to join the “Laal Brigade”, a revolutionary brigade of young and enthusiastic revolutionaries committed to the emancipation of the people.
Reminiscent of another great Pakistani band Junoon, Laal has not only managed to reconnect the people of Pakistan to the forgotten revolutionary socialist poets, but also introduced them to the youth. The youth will invariably play an important role in the politics of the country in the years to come. Surprisingly, the band has avoided criticisms for its leftist tendencies and has enjoyed mainstream success without having its material challenged by the public or media.
Band members
- Shahram Azhar- Lead Vocalist
- Mahvash Waqar- Backup Vocals
- Taimur Rahman- Guitar
- Haider Rahman- Flute /Bansuri
- Jamal, RED Guitar
- Salman, Acoustic Guitar
- Asif, Dholak
- Aamir, Drums
The two main band members Shahram and Taimur are also active members or office holders of the Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party. The band’s name “LAAL” means “RED” in Urdu and symbolizes its communist message.
Albums
- Umeed e Sahar (2009)
- Main Nay Kaha (Musheer)
- Umeed e Sahar
- Sadaa
- Jaag Punjab
- Dastoor
- Kal Aaj Aur Kal
- Zulmat
- Mat Samjho
- Na Judaa
- Jaago