Virtual Singing between a Nigerian and a Pakistani — Tum hi ho
Edited using canva
It's quite funny to see this video of me and this Pakistani. He's one of my music scholars who beats the tone of every song I drop in my Sing the Song Challenge, hosted in the Steemkids and Parents Community. So this week, I decided to sing with all my consistent music students. He's Pakistani, and I'm Nigerian. How possible would it be to sing his song with him? I messaged him on WhatsApp and requested a song ft with him. I requested that he drop an emotional song for me to learn in 3 days. He dropped Tum hi ho song and its lyrics and assured me that I would love the song. Let me give you a little description of this person in question. His username on Steemit is @shahidalinaz.
He has won my challenge a couple of times and has won the award for singing like the artiste in the songs I give Pakistanis to sing. If you've listened to his songs and the original song given, you'll notice this harmony in his voice and that of the artiste. Most times I ask myself — Are you sure he's not the artiste?' 🤣
 | @shahidalinaz |
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 | @bossj23 |
So I decided to learn Tum Hi Ho before requesting a video call for us to sing together. I told him to buy me some time, as Hindi is difficult to learn. I found Spanish to be much easier to pronounce than Hindi, but the emotions in Hindi songs can drive one into an excited state. Can you imagine? I've been playing this song all day. It's one of my favourites because of the tone and the emotions attached to the song. This was my practice session before the main video with this Pakistani.
Practicing Tum Hi Ho |
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I wrote the lyrics down on a piece of paper, as I found it difficult to memorise the lyrics. The written lyrics on paper really helped me bring the tone of this song to life. I started by listening to the song countless times to master the beats, turns, switches and tone. The lyrics below helped me.
[Verse 1]
Hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte
Tere bina kya wajood mera?
Hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte
Tere bina kya wajood mera?
Tujhse juda gar ho jayenge
To khudse hi ho jayenge juda
[Chorus]
Kyunki tum hi ho, ab tum hi ho
Zindagi, ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi, mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui, ab tum hi ho
[Verse 2]
Tera mera rishta hai kaisa
Ek pal dur gawara nahi
Tere liye har roz hai jeete
Tujhko diya mera waqt sabhi
[Pre-Chorus]
Koi lamha mera na ho tere bina
Har saans pe naam tera
[Chorus]
Kyunki tum hi ho, ab tum hi ho
Zindagi, ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi, mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui, ab tum hi ho
[Chorus]
Kyunki tum hi ho, ab tum hi ho
Zindagi, ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi, mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui, ab tum hi ho
[Outro]
Kyunki tum hi ho, ab tum hi ho
Zindagi, ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi, mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui, ab tum hi ho
When singing Hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte, I was excited because it was easy to follow. The syllabus and spellings were in line. I just had to improve the pronunciation. At first, I pronounced "ab flat" as one syllable before correcting myself to sing the ab as two syllabic words.
Tere bina kya wajood Mera. This was also simple for me to enunciate because of the breakdown in syllables. The only problem I had when singing this line was the kya wajood. I keep forgetting how it is pronounced. After a couple of tries and failures, I perfected this first part. I then switched to the second part, which was sung abruptly and not dragged out like the first two lines. It was difficult pronouncing jayenge. I kept trying till I got the pronunciation right.
After a couple of tries, I decided to make a video of myself singing with a bandana on my head. I look like a Rahman, right? I just had to adapt my looks to that of Hindu culture. I then sang it first with an instrumental to guide my pace and pitch. After getting it right on track with instrumental, I decided to sing a cappella. Can you rate my voice? Changing my voice to match that of most Pakistani men was difficult, but I had to do this. The song is felt with the nature of one's voice. If one can get the voice of the artiste, it would be easier to sing the song without having to change tone. You'll also know the breaks and pauses and where to switch.
The D-Day |
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I told him I was ready to sing his country's song and also learn a little pronunciation from him. We started the video call and exchanged pleasantries. **Before we sang together, I segmented the parts he would sing, as I couldn't grab the part that sounded like a fast track.
The below shows my the copied text from our chat on how we would run the video
- You'll start by singing to the end. Then I'll follow you.
- In the second video, you'll sing line by line; I'll learn from you by also singing.
- In the third video, you'll sing your parts, and I'll sing mine. I'll sing the red line and the beginning of the song while you sing other parts.
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He was so happy to see me virtually. He even said I'm his biggest fan and motivator as a song host on Steemit. We exchanged pleasantries for quite a while before going with the first slide. I made a screen recording of the segmented videos.
The only challenge we faced was network issues. At times, his phone would hang and make the song sound chaotic. Network issues were a big challenge, but we conquered them. This was my first call with him. After trying the first day we placed a call, we called today and made the final video, which I edited to bring out the voice in me and the voice in him.
I listened as he sang first and then did the same. This was the first video. At least I could hear him sing and enunciate and did 80% of the singing and 70% pronunciation. We then sang our assigned parts and ended the video. Sincerely, his voice was giving. I love the harmony we brought forward. As we concluded the session, he requested an English song to be sung next week. Let's see how this goes.....
I've set 50% to my co-singer. He was apparently teaching me the song. How do you rate my Enunciations and vocal range? Was I able to get the tone of the song?
https://x.com/bossj23Mod/status/1933332686166474836?t=pXpZwXxk76NG0Kw6qyn9YQ&s=19
Greetings dear friend 😊 !
Hi my friend, how are you? Are you okay? Are you in good health?
My friends you and your friend have sung a very beautiful song. This is my very favorite song, Tum Hi Ho. I sing it mostly when I am alone. You sung very well I appreciate you both.
Best of luck dear friend 🙏.
Wow, this is good to hear. I sing it almost on a daily basis ever since I heard and felt the emotions attached. Thanks....🤜🤛
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Curated by @marvinvelasquez
The Nigerian singer's effort to learn and sing the Pakistani song "Tum Hi Ho" is commendable, and the final product showcases a lovely harmony between the two singers. The challenges they faced with network issues and pronunciation are the relatable, but their determination and enthusiasm shine through in the final video. It's heartwarming to see them appreciate each other's talents and cultures.
My boss , how did you manage to get the lyrics correctly. Great work.