From model to ‘Pichal Pairee’, Meesha Shafi changes skin to sing
Meesha Shafi features on the new single off Overload‘s Pichal Pairee, the long awaited second album from a group better known for hypnotic instrumentals featuring Pappu Saeen and his drumbeats. Intriguing that the album should be named pichal pairee, a Punjabi term that literally means ‘the one with twisted feet’ and reminds one of scary fireplace stories of witches who had inverted feet and were the devil reincarnate. The single ‘Pichal Pairee‘ has an eerie quality though it stops short of being spooky and the lyrics do absolutely nothing to back up the element of horror. It develops into an interesting hybrid of horror and rock, not a bad combination at all. And this is Overload’s first proper step into song writing; until now the band has held instrumental – especially percussion – as its forte.
However, more than the mythical pichal pairees, it is model and vocalist Meesha Shafi‘s presence in the video that holds centre stage. In an Amy Winehouse-esque avatar – sporting a hairdo that is unmistakably related to the ‘Rehab’ singer’s signature beehive – she redefines rock chic. Dressed in a black tank top and denim, Meesha’s is a clean look but it is Winehouse inspired, minus the eyeliner and body art though. ‘Pichal Pairee’ is in English but Meesha has also indulged in Punjabi on the album. Her vocals are strong and her appearance is even better. A fashion model with a striking face, Meesha never made it to the A-list because of her lack of height, but none of that poses a threat to her as a singer.
It makes one hope and wonder whether Meesha Shafi could be ready to take on the challenge of emerging as the next female pop artist in Pakistan’s male dominated music scene. To date, only Nazia Hassan, Hadiqa Kiani and recently Zeb and Haniya have been able to dig their heels into it. Needless to say, Meesha’s popularity and success will have to be a bit more deep rooted in mass popularity for that to happen.
– Aamna Haider Isani
Meesha Shafi photo by Mohsin Khawar
Source: INSTEP today
