W​atch: Soulful Sufi number Saiyaan

Mumbai: Upcoming Sufi music sensation Qurat-Al-Ain Balouch, better known by her stage name ‘QB’, has been creating waves on the Pakistani music scene for a few years now. With the release of her brand new single “Saaiyaan” under EMI Records India, QB is set to take her unique contemporary SUFI sounds across the globe. Produced by Salman Albert, this beautiful rock ballad with lyrics originally written by famed Punjabi Sufi poet Bullen Shah, is certainly one of the finest Sufi compositions in recent times.

Interestingly QB has already gained popularity in India by lending her voice to “Woh Humsafar Tha”, the title track from the highly-acclaimed Pakistani TV soap ‘Humsafar’ starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. She received global recognition for this track and also won Pakistan's Youngest Achievement Award UK & Europe 2011, as well as Song Of The Year and Best Original Soundtrack at the Lux Style Awards 2012.

The video for the single “Saaiyaan”, shot in Lahore showcases the city’s breathtaking heritage architecture. The poignant story portrays the ordeals faced in romance and the relationship shared between two passionate lovers as they deal with pain that comes with the bitter end of their love.

Watch the Video here:

Commenting on the release of her brand new single, Qurat-Al-Ain Balouch says, “It's a pleasure to be associated with EMI Records India. Music is universal and that's what labels are doing now in this digital era. “Saaiyaan” is a pure Sufi rock ballad, taken from the none other than Bulleh Shah Context. Personally, the Kalam is the depiction of the human significance. Salman Albert (music producer) has done a great job at keeping the contemporary feel. I hope people will find relevance and like the Sufi rock feel.”

An elated Mohit Suri says “QB is the face of contemporary Sufi music. Her natural and unique vocals make her an extremely rare talent. While she’s been building her fan base in Pakistan, we are proud to have her signed to EMI Records India through which we will take her talent well beyond just South Asia and the release of “Saaiyaan” is our first step in that direction. I’ve worked with some of Pakistan’s great talents over the years – Rahat saab, Atif Aslam, Mustafa Zahid, Jawad Ahmad, Glenn John to name a few, and I can confidently say that QB will follow in the footsteps such illustrious talent that’s emerged from across the border”.

Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, South Asia, says “QB is an incredible talent! Her voice is simply out of this world and more importantly she’s the whole package – great voice, looks fabulous and a brilliant performer. With her contemporary approach, QB breaks the conventional perception of a `Sufi’ artiste. We are confident that through EMI Records India, QB will introduce Sufi to a whole new generation, well beyond the traditional territories of this great genre of music”.

QB took the music industry by storm with her debut cover of Reshma's ‘Akhiyan nu rehn de’ in 2011 and made an impact on her audience with her signature husky, tuneful vocals. She caught the attention of listeners for the distinct texture of her voice and its rawness in her first single track ‘Bewafaiyaan’, which talks about loyalty, adherence and passion. She made her debut in Coke Studio- Season 4 with a duet with ‘Jal- The Band’ on ‘Tere Ishq Main’ which made her an internet sensation and one of the most sought after singers the country has to offer. In her second appearance on the platform, in Season 8, QB shared the floor with Umair Jaswal on yet another track where her soaring undertone voice established her as a real crooner.

The highly-acclaimed singer exemplifies the eclectic sound of contemporary Pakistani pop music, with influences of Jazz, Rock, and Sufi Folk and her popularity crossed boundaries after she represented Pakistan in a live performance with the Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Asian Network’s Queens of Melody. She also made a wild card entry for the band Euphoria against Pakistan's winners Strings in Sound Clash UAE 2014 and went on to win the Lifetime Achievement Award at a young age of 25 at the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association British Columbia in the City of Bhangra Festival’s 10th Anniversary in Vancouver, Canada.

“Saaiyaan” is available across all digital platforms Worldwide exclusively on EMI Records India.