Wajhi Farooki: The Melody Maker

By Sarah Rehman

Within the realm of music, there exists a breed of artists who possess an extraordinary gift of creating melodies, that linger in our minds long after the final note has faded away. Possessing a voice that resonates with our souls they have the ability to compose compositions of beauty that transport the listeners to another world. One such talent is Wajhi Farooki, a singer and musician renowned for his mesmerizing vocals and his ability to craft soul-stirring original soundtracks for a diverse range of dramas.

Wajhi’s musical odyssey began under the tutelage of Saffia Beyg, the mother of designer Rizwan Beyg, who excels in classical music. This initial spark set the stage for his entry into the industry as a member of Raeth music band, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical voyage. The band’s composition led to the creation of an album, catching the attention of a well-known musical company and culminating in a release in 2007.

For Wajhi, the joy of performing music is rooted in the deep connection he feels with rock and classical genres. He strongly believes in connecting with the audience where the shared experience of music creates a fulfilling atmosphere for both the performer and the people. “It’s a whole lot different feeling altogether, and energy is multiplied 300 times once you are in sync with the audience.”

Even the singer’s inspiration comes from people, their stories and diverse experiences, enabling him to craft pieces that resonate with the listeners. Moreover, Wajhi’s enduring success can be attributed to his unwavering work ethic and adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date and experimenting with music, driven by a fervent desire to remain progressive and innovative in the ever-evolving music industry.

Reflecting on his career, Wajhi takes pride in achieving several noteworthy milestones such as being signed by Universal Records at a remarkably young age, winning a Lux Style award, and achieving 100 million views for his song “Rupoosh” on YouTube. Responding to a question about his favourite musical masterpieces, Wajhi mentions two songs that have changed his entire world. The first one was his debut song, ‘Bhula Do’ and the second being ‘Rupoosh’ that brought him fame as one of the leading OST singers in the drama industry.

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer

As Wajhi’s music evolved over time, he credits influential figures like Mahesh Bhatt who have shaped his musical journey. Learning from industry veterans has instilled humility and professionalism in him, reflecting a significant transformation in his approach to music creation and collaboration.

When asked about how he deals with criticism and negative feedback, the singer responds, “I always maintain a positive outlook, embracing constructive criticism as a catalyst for growth. I believe music should be made the way the audience wants to hear it, and therefore it’s necessary to be open to public feedback. Simultaneously, one should be adaptive to evolving trends while staying true to the artistic vision, acknowledging the balance between artistic expression and audience appeal.”

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer. And if given the chance to change one aspect of the music industry, he highlights the need for greater prominence of music channels on TV. He emphasizes the importance of providing musicians with enhanced opportunities for promotion and public exposure, ensuring that artists receive their due recognition and visibility. He advocates for a system where musicians are not only able to create and produce music but also have the means to share it with the world. By ensuring that artists receive the visibility they deserve, Wajhi hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive music industry that values and celebrates the diverse talents and continues to grow in times to come.