Qamar Saleem breaking boundaries with international hits

Qamar Saleem's love for music began at 13, when his brother Aftab first approached him to sing while he played the guitar.

svg%3EBlazing through the last 12 months with four consecutive international hits in his wake, Qamar Saleem has gone from global finance whiz to global artist with millions of listeners, in the space of a year.

A man with a heart and a purpose, he has much to say to the world, and he has done so with his music.

Qamar Saleem’s love for music began at 13, when his brother Aftab first approached him to sing while he played the guitar. It was then that his parents recognized his potential and shortly after, started him on lessons with a reputed vocal teacher. This recognition of talent led to a lovely 14th birthday surprise where Qamar received his very first keyboard, a loving gift from his doting and supportive parents. He would practice every chance he got, despite an active school presence. His love for the performing arts was so great that he even incorporated it into his academic life. He was well known in college and university for being the life and light in the classroom, serenading all the stress and strain that comes with pursuing a major such as Finance.

When Qamar entered the workforce, he indulged in his passions and built his first home studio. It didn’t take long for his career to take off, with postings first all over Pakistan, then globally. Being the family man he is, he was never stationed anywhere without them. While his career blossomed, so did his home studios, which was and still is a permanent fixture in his home today. It was through being an expat in various countries that he was able to continue cultivating his talent. With each new country, came new friends and a deeper understanding of music. Unfortunately, he was unable to release his music due to a hectic schedule which would keep him jet setting three quarters of the year.

When Qamar entered the workforce, he indulged in his passions and built his first home studio. It didn’t take long for his career to take off, with postings first all over Pakistan, then globally. Being the family man he is, he was never stationed anywhere without them. While his career blossomed, so did his home studios, which was and still is a permanent fixture in his home today. It was through being an expat in various countries that he was able to continue cultivating his talent. With each new country, came new friends and a deeper understanding of music. Unfortunately, he was unable to release his music due to a hectic schedule which would keep him jet setting three quarters of the year.

It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, that Qamar was finally able to begin working on his originals. Already based in Singapore by that time, travel was prohibited in and out of Singapore and everyone was forced to work from home. He wasted no time. Giving his composition a new touch, he worked with producer/arranger Lincoln Lim, to record his first single “Janaan”. By November 2020, the song and official music video was released.

An independent musician, Qamar has always intended to promote his brand of music with a message as a simple gesture to give back to community. Even unlikely listeners from all over the world like Brazil, Turkey, China, Lebanon and many parts of South East Asia find his music relatable, regardless of language. He believes that music has no boundaries. Take “Janaan” for example, its message of hope and faithful praise came at a time when the world needed uplifting.

During the last 3 weeks, “Khelein” has enjoyed blazing success and coverage in over 30 instagram and Facebook pages, 10 newspaper articles, TV interviews, been featured in several sports TV channels and of course, has become the official cricket anthem for PTV sports. So much so that Fawad Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting has termed the song, “best cricket song”. The success story of "Khelein" deeply resonates with the success story of our national heroes in cricket, lighting up fields and hearts equally, in this T20 World Cup.

When asked about the song and its attribution to the Pakistan Team, Qamar Saleem highlights, “I wanted to release a cricket song with a difference, depicting the true spirit of the game and how it touches and impacts lives of every Pakistan citizen. Khelein was meant to be inspirational, cheering the team to remember that we have always risen under adversity, rejoicing our most cherished victories while celebrating our heroes on the streets. I am proud to see how the Pakistan Cricket Team is living the spirit of Khelein, playing together and playing wholeheartedly as the song echoes -Khelein Milke Hum, Khelein Dilse Hum. Wishing Pakistan team all the success in the Semi-Finals and with the grace of Allah in the Finals as well”