‘Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.’
- Charles Kennedy
Music, with its melodic harmonies and rhythmic beats, has a way of transcending language barriers. Words, with their poetic cadence and lyrical quality, can paint vivid pictures in our minds and evoke powerful emotions.
When music and words come together, they create a symphony of expression that can be truly breathtaking. A well-crafted song can transport us to another time and place, evoke memories, and inspire us to feel and think deeply.
A part of these memories is the musical campaigns led by the political parties in Pakistan. Growing up in the unpredictable 1990s in Pakistan, millennials will likely recall the catchy tunes and lyrics of popular political parties. As a ‘Karachi Kid’ during that time, I vividly remember watching rallies with silent but great interest. During these events, my family would often find ourselves stuck in traffic, slowly inching forward alongside other vehicles. My mother, the skilled driver, alongside my father the expert navigator, would do their best to make sure we reached our destination instead of the ‘jalsa gah’ (rally venue).
My parents, determined to reach our destination, would instruct my sisters and me to keep the windows up, doors locked, and remain quiet to avoid distracting our mother while driving.
Despite the crowds, these rallies were surprisingly disciplined. What left a lasting impression on me, however, was the music played during these events. The volume was earth shatteringly loud, making it an almost Woodstock-like experience. The parties had successfully transformed these rallies into family-friendly gatherings, denoting a very ‘desi’ version of flower power. Interestingly, most of these songs were adapted from original Pakistani and Indian film soundtracks, with lyrics rewritten to incorporate party slogans and messages.
MQM deserves recognition for pioneering the strategic use of music to shape public opinion, a tactic that has become increasingly influential in modern times. One notable example of their innovative approach is the iconic anthem ‘Saathi’, which was creatively adapted from the memorable soundtrack of the 1968 Pakistani film’ Samundar’.
And who can ever forget the timeless classic ‘Dilan Teer Bija’, which is undoubtedly an evergreen and most loved anthem among PPP supporters.
Catchy melodies and lyrical slogans have the power to forge a profound connection with listeners, largely due to their ability to encapsulate the essence of a political party. These lyrics often incorporate party slogans that not only represent the party’s ideology but also resonate with the nation’s emotional leanings, values, priorities, and collective mindset.
According to researcher and archivist Absar Ahmed, a prime example of this phenomenon is the song ‘Millat ka Pasban hai Muhammad Ali Jinnah,’ which became an instant hit. Written in 1940, following the passage of the Pakistan resolution, this tribute was later released by the All India Muslim League as a gramophone disc in 1945. This song’s enduring impact underscores the significant role music plays in shaping public opinion and leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
These songs are remnants of how music plays a significant role in Pakistani Politics. Music plays a significant role in Pakistani politics, particularly in mobilising support and conveying messages. Political parties have historically utilised songs to promote their ideologies and connect with the masses. These songs often incorporate party slogans and are designed to evoke emotions and create a sense of unity among supporters.
In recent years, music has become an integral part of protest movements in Pakistan. Protestors use songs to express their grievances, criticise government policies, and promote social change. Music has also been used to promote nationalism and patriotism, with many songs celebrating Pakistan’s history, culture, and values.
The rise of technology and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the 2010s led to a significant increase in the popularity of their musical compositions, particularly among Pakistani youth. As the party’s influence grew, so did the appeal of their songs, which resonated with young people who were drawn to the party’s message of change and reform. The PTI’s use of music as a tool for political mobilisation was highly effective, helping to create a sense of excitement and momentum around the party’s campaigns. The party’s songs became anthems for a new generation of Pakistani youth who were eager for change and looking for a fresh alternative to traditional politics.
Overall, music remains a powerful tool in Pakistani politics, allowing parties and protestors to connect with the masses, convey their messages, and promote social change.
It is essential to approach music in politics with a critical ear, recognising both its potential to inspire positive change and its capacity to be used manipulatively. Moreover, it is also quite rare for a political party to fulfill the promise to deliver, contrary to their usual practice of campaigning in poetry and governing in prose.
By combining critical thinking with a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between music and politics, you can appreciate the artistry and emotional resonance of music while remaining aware of its potential political implications. So, go ahead enjoy those toe-tapping tunes, but do so with a thoughtful and informed ear!
