This small fact sheet in the memory of the late Farhad Humayun is an ode on how bigger of a star he was. Back in 2015 when SiddySays interviewed him, Farhad said, “I’m playing music because I have something to say; whether it’s through my drumming or singing. Whatever I have collected over the past decades comes across as my story.”and were sold. You can read the rest of the interview here
Farhad Humayun was one of the gifted musicians of Pakistan and a supremely talented man. His collaborations with artists from all around the world to his endorsements and body of work and projects like Levi’s Live and the Riot Studio and his band, Overload were testimony to how brilliant he was. But like all the good things, Farhad Humayun had his personal and emotional struggles as well as health issues amidst his journey.
Even though this small fact sheet on Farhad Humayun’s amazing achievements falls short in front of how largely he spent his life while creating memorable art and music when he was alive, but we hope for it now to be celebrated in his absence also.
THE FIRST ASIAN MUSICIAN TO ENDORSE A BRITISH BRAND
Liberty Drums is the largest drum boutique of the finest drum sets in the world. And amongst many popular musicians from multiple genres like the blues, funk, jazz, gospel, indie, rock and studio, Farhad Humayun was the first Asian to be part of this renowned brand.
HIS FIRST ENGLISH SINGLE “GIVE IN” RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL PRAISE
“Give In” was produced by Richard Hilton who plays the Keyboard of an American Band called, “Nile Rodgers and Chic” (now) and featured iconic musicians like Tony Levin on bass, David Torn on guitars and Richy Stano also on guitars.The song was recorded at Clubhouse Studios in Rhinebeck New York and released in 2018 (Wikipedia). And the song was about wading through life in all it’s ups and downs.
“JEET”, “BOLO NA” & “NIMMI NIMMI” WERE SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE SONGS
These 3 songs had a special place for Farhad Humyaun for many reasons.
- Jeet: is a song that emulates hope and motivation
- Bolo Na: is a personal song that refers to his emotional struggles at a certain time in his life
- Nimmi Nimmi: is a song that put him on a pedestal and got him recognition for his work
HE WAS THE JACK OF ALL TRADES
Farhad Humayun was extremely talented in his field. He was not just an incredible singer but an eclectic songwriter, music video director as well as a producer, and professional drummer. He was a painter also.
OVERLOAD WAS KNOWN AS THE “LOUDEST BAND OF PAKISTAN”
Known as the “Loudest Band of Pakistan” for the diversity of street musicians that were associated with Overload. From being directed by producer, lead vocalist, and drummer, Farhad Humayun and keyboard/synth player, songwriter and composer, Sheraz Siddiq, were joined by Hassan Mohyeddin on percussion along with dhol players Pappu Sain and Jhura Sain. The band’s mix of the modern (trap) drums set with traditional, mystical Dhol (drum), alternating between Indian Classical beats and Rock became all the rage in Pakistan (Wikipedia).\
Disclaimer: We’ve compiled these facts from multiple resources on social media.
