HOME Associate Artist Qasim Riza Shaheen has compiled a Summer playlist inviting us into his past and present soundscapes. Although a Manuncian at heart these songs embody his upbringing, nostalgia, moments and memories that criss-cross the globe.
Amy Winehouse – What It Is
Oh Amy Amy Amy. I’m lost for words. It is what it is. Indeed.
Deewar Soundtrack – I’m Falling In Love With Stranger
As a boy I remember watching this film in the cinema in the 1970s and this song, though in the background, completely transfixed me.
Hindi Zahra – The Man I Love
Aye, this song. So many versions in an array of voices; this one ends in Arabic.
Anthony and the Johnsons – I Fell In Love With A Dead Boy
What a vision! Stunning as performer and as storyteller. His music gives the unassuming permission to blur lines.
Yuna – Coffee
I fell in love with Yuna when I first came across her posting her songs on online platforms. Alas, this wonderful artist and style icon recently married a man who doesn’t look all that different to me!
Nazia Hassan – Aao Na Pyar Karain
My big sister of Pakistani pop. One of the few role models I grew up with. I knew this song by heart and would sing along with total joy & passion!
King Pleasure – I’m In The Mood For Love
The one song I associate with falling in love. Time and time again. Time and time again.
Prince – Crazy You
Someone I once loved said this song reminded them of me. Later in life someone who loved Prince broke my heart. Or perhaps we both did.
Phyllis Hyman – Old Friend
My first love song, about unrequited love, became the soundtrack in my mind for a relationship & marriage that lasted over two decades.
Jafar Hussain, Khan Badauni & Party – Tore Surat Ke Balhari
I imagined and recreated a marriage with vows to my Beloved through the order of Sufism which this song narrates. “Beholding your appearance I offer myself in sacrifice”.
Koop – Koop Island Blues
I found this song when I had a crush on someone, someone who was crushing on themselves. At least the whole escapade left me with this song.
Shelia Majid – Engkau Laksana Bulan
Originially sung by P. Ramlee this tribute cover is by an artist I listened to without understanding a single word.
Preeti Sagar – My Heart is Beating
I grew up in a close-knit family. The youngest of my siblings, I pranced around like the young Sridevi in this film.
Qasim will be opening the Asia Triennial Manchester (ATM18) with a performance at HOME on Fri 5 Oct 2018. Find out more about art at HOME here.