Since the Strings disbanded, both of the band’s star members have embarked on solo careers and found paths that suit them. Although distinct from Faisal Kapadia, Bilal Maqsood has developed and implemented a different strategy.
Bilal selected several locations where he has been penning poems or performing music for the children. Yes! Bilal Maqsood has been writing lovely rhymes for the youngsters, claiming that composing music for children has been his most fulfilling endeavor.
Bilal teamed with a local food manufacturer to produce a collection of Urdu songs for a different type of younger audience — youngsters.
Bilal Maqsood on writing children’s rhymes
In a conversation with a local news publisher, Bilal Maqsood stated that he has always desired to make children’s music in Urdu as opposed to English, in the vein of Sesame Street.
The performer revealed, “I’ve always wanted to do something for children. Even when Strings was living, we frequently discussed doing something for children since, and as children, we adored the rhymes and children’s programs of the day – many of them are still immensely popular.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that I discovered Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and realized they had a unique quality.
Later, I learned that Jim Henson was the man behind all the magic, from the songs to the puppets, and I became a tremendous fan of his. I determined that whenever I get the opportunity to produce something for youngsters, it will be contemporary.”
“No children’s products were created in Pakistan,” said Bilal Maqsood.
In the early 2000s, Barney, Noddy, and Mary Poppins were introduced to Bilal’s children. They had digested these English rhymes, but Bilal was really unhappy to see them and frequently asked why nothing was produced in Pakistan for children.
At that time, he decided to break with convention and contacted Sohail Rana, a prominent Pakistani composer. They both released an album of children’s songs, but the market did not respond favorably.
Before his death last year, he contacted Farooq Qaiser, the creator of Pakistan’s legendary Uncle Sargam, to relaunch Kaliyaan, but he was unable to secure the necessary money.
Last year, a snack manufacturer contacted him to compose nursery songs, which put him in charge. Bilal Maqsood remarked, “It was like a dream come true, and I promised them I would give up everything to work on this project.”
Working in many fields of music has always been a difficult task, but Bilal has always desired to do so, and he is well-versed in the subject. He conducted numerous experiments to develop something special for the children.
It does not irritate their ears. – Bilal Maqsood
He still believes that he must consider other factors, although he has just made a series of perfect rhymes. “The music should be relaxing and not jarring so that children’s ears are not harmed even when they listen to it repeatedly.
Children have a particular level of intelligence in which they cannot articulate themselves adequately yet comprehend everything. I observed that there was no message in the available materials for children. Several lyrics also contained fat-shaming and violence, and at times were horrific,” he noted.
One of the most significant obstacles for Bilal was that he had to write rhymes for eight different animals. Verses should be distinct from one another and convey a message. He remarked. “Every animal has a particular trait, so I decided to build something based on it.
However, I devised a technique to concentrate the song around the quality, while the message would be the polar opposite of that particular trait. For instance, in Kuchu Kuchu Kachwa, the rhyme states that the tortoise is slow, which might be interpreted as a child’s delayed academic progress. The next verse, however, “pani mil Jae tau dubki algae, Tez Tez Tez Tez taira hi Jae,” indicates that if the child is allowed their own space, they can blossom in whatever other talent they may have.”
Urdu was a tedious school subject for Bilal Maqsood.
Today’s parents expect their children to speak English fluently and concentrate on learning English nursery rhymes. Although most Pakistanis speak Urdu, there are not many Urdu rhymes available for children to read.
Bilal said, “For generations and many students, Urdu was a tedious subject at school. Urdu was never regarded as “cool.” Compared to its competitors, such as Cocomelon and others, the Urdu content was inferior.
To attract children to the language, it must be made more inviting. The purpose of my poems was to be current and relatable.
Children who do not know a word of Urdu like listening to these rhymes because they can relate to the music. It has a similar structure as Cocomelon and Sesame Street, and the animation quality is comparable.”
In conclusion, he stated, “I believe that more people should enter this sector because there is a significant void and much that can be done.
Globally, much is done for children; however, in the United States, nearly nothing is. I am confident that I have found my life’s purpose and intend to generate more content for children. The excellent response I received from parents, teachers, and school principals, in addition to children, has made this the most satisfying experience I’ve ever had.
It feels like I’ve accomplished my life’s purpose. But this is only the beginning; I have other plans for children.”
Recently, Bilal Maqsood appeared at District 19, where he played his first-ever solo concert and was showered with adoration. Before that, though, he collaborated with Asim Azhar to provide fans with a fantastic jam session. In addition, he released his solo single “Naya Naya.”