Around the world, communities are turning to music to gently caress the unexpected aches that have coasted in with the coronavirus crisis. From apartment block sing-a-longs, to YouTube parodies, melodies in all kinds of chords and crescendos are coming into creation, offering a unique way to cope. Indeed, music is the universal language. It expresses infinitely to all, just as it beckons social cohesion and promises comfort. For Sufi-Pop singing sensation, Faisal Amlani, this therapeutic potential of music is exactly what led him to create “Prayer Corona”.
If you haven’t had the chance to listen to “Prayer Corona” just yet, the first thing you’ll discern is the power of beautiful music to heal. The song – composed by the Australian-Pakistani performer to capture the enigmatic sentiments surrounding the pandemic – features humble prayers recited by Faisal to the Almighty in his signature soft-textured tones, while the soothing sounds of an accompanying woodwind symphony almost instantly dissolve any weight of anxiety. The melody is tender and infectious. It permeates a lingering sense that we are not alone and that everything will be ok.
Faisal’s track was released worldwide last month, and surely enough, the song swiftly surged to viral status on social media, nodding humbly to the singer’s intention to write an uplifting piece that would resonate with individuals worldwide and provide relief in the current climate. “Music has the power to change lives,” Faisal acknowledges. The vocalist, who has always remained modest about his talent, upholds the belief that if you’ve been blessed with something so special, “you have to use it to benefit others in every possible way”. Indeed, echoing this sentiment, the Aga Khan Development Network Foundation edited “Prayer Corona” to come up with their own version to share with Ismailis globally – which can be viewed here.
Since the original song’s release, an outpouring of appreciation from countries far and wide has followed in its path. “I have received messages of appreciation from all around the world telling me just how much this song changed people’s lives and developed their trust in God in this pandemic situation,” Faisal conveys. The gratitude-filled star says it is this feedback that has always inspired him to write and perform more.
Nevertheless, this isn’t the first time Faisal’s music has so powerfully connected with people across borders or showcased artistic brilliance. The talented vocalist’s repertoire features many other popular tracks, including “Saheb Ji” and cover songs “Dil Diyan Gallan” and “Kisi Se Pyar”. He recently took to the stage with the big names of showbiz, including Sonu Nigam, legendary singer K.K, Kumar Sanu, and Udit Narayan. You may also remember him from the Official Diamond Jubilee song, “Jubilee Mubarak”, performing alongside famous Bollywood music composers, Salim-Sulaiman – which has more than a million views on YouTube.
Currently, as the coronavirus pandemic forces confinement to our homes, the living room has now become the concert hall for Faisal. But this hasn’t stopped him from connecting with the world and spreading his messages of hope. Turning to the online sphere, virtual concerts have now become the norm for the musician. The first of these, curated by the Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board in Pakistan,had over 2,000 viewers watching Faisal on – a testament, once more, to the therapeutic potential of music and indeed the old adage that even in dark times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
As the pandemic persists, for Faisal, the message is clear – we must continue to support each other, even if it’s a simple a phone call to say hello, because together, we will overcome this darkness.
