DUBAI, – Born in Wazirabad, Pakistan, Aslam got into performing during his college years where he was successful on the singing competitions circuit, setting him up on his journey to musical stardom. He’s now back on the road touring, and will also be starring in the soon-to-be released drama series, Sang-e-Mah. Tonight Aslam’s fans at Jubilee Park can look forward to popular numbers including Woh Lamhe, Tu Jaane Na and O Saathi from the Bollywood film Baaghi 2.
 
How would you describe your music?
 
“I would not like to put my music into any sort of a category because I’ve done a lot of Bollywood, soft rock, qawwali and now I am getting into RnB and rap, so I really don’t think I would be able to sort of categorise my music into any genre.”
 
Why do you think Expo 2020 is such an important platform for artists?
 
“I think it’s very important for the artist as you get to see the different cultures and you perform for a different audience, which in itself is exhilarating.”
 
What are you most excited about performing at Expo 2020?
 
“I’m excited about the audience, the ambience and getting to see how Dubai is rocking these days.”
 
How did you get into singing?
 
“I was an athlete. I was planning to become a professional cricketer, but I gave up on that because my parents knew it was just a hobby. I started to explore myself but didn’t have any other outlets. I started to become quiet and lonely, but then I heard Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sing with Michael Brooks… and there was no turning back.”
 
Your proudest career moment to date?
 
“I didn’t tell my parents about my first song Aadat; they found out through neighbours. Initially, they didn’t like it but after people started praising my parents saying: ‘he’s great’, ‘a lot of people know him,’ and ‘he’s doing well for himself’, I could then see in their eyes how proud of me they were. That was my proudest moment.”
 
What advice would you give to budding young performers out there?
 
“Never give up on exploring yourself and your talent.”
 
Atif Aslam will be perfoming this evening, 17 November, from 2100 GST onwards on Jubilee Stage. Tickets are complimentary for Expo 2020 ticket holders but guests are advised to arrive early.