Whoever said our music industry is dying probably needs to revisit that thought because when songs like ‘Sag-e-Ali’ are coming out from Pakistan, it means things are definitely improving. Asrar’s latest single is riveting in every sense of the word, whether you hear Asrar’s soulful voice, or pay attention to the devotion in his words. The literal translation of the word sag is to bow down. Interestingly, the word ‘sag’ has the same meaning in English as well as in Urdu. It means to sink or droop.
Therefore ‘Sag-e-Ali‘ is the story of a man who is truly devoted to the remembrance and reverence of Hazrat Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph of the muslim empire after the Prophet’s death.
Directed by ace photographer Abdullah Harris, the video uses high contrasts to create images and shapes. The horse, never completely shown in the video, is a clear reference to Zuljanah, Hazrat Ali’s noble steed. An informal conversation with Usman Malkani, the cinematographer of the video, revealed that a particular type of horse was used because that horse doesn’t have a very long neck and it naturally looks like it’s bowing down.
What is also incredible about the song is that it uses a combination of musical instruments: The flute and dudak have been used, as well as the accordion along with more western instruments such as the guitar.
For those of you who haven’t had the chance to experience this chilling audio-visual sensation, please watch the video below and tell us what you think.
