“Singing is my happy place”
“Where words fail, music speaks.” An artist is someone who has the power to influence masses through the performing arts and music. With countless tracks and singers out there in our industry, only a handful have stood out. The fierce and fabulous Aima Baig is one of them. A vocal powerhouse, she is no stranger to us. Her singing style is unlike any other in Pakistan’s music realm today.
A Lahori by heart, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Television from the University of Lahore. Aima is a music enthusiast who has had a knack for singing since her childhood years. Lucky for her, she ventured into the field and dominated it with vigor.
Her live performances and Coke Studio gigs are a wonderment. Whether it was singing Baazi and Malang with Sahir Ali Bagga, Teriyaan with Asim Azhar, Aatish with Shuja Haider or Ballay Ballay with Abrar ul Haq, she can own any show, any day, with her singing prowess! This year, she won our hearts with a stellar collaboration with Ali Zafar in the blockbuster Teefa in Trouble titled Item Number. Her voice echoes beyond borders and dominates the music scene. A western inspired singer, Aima is Pakistan’s adored star.
The recipient of last year’s Lux Style Award for Best Singer, she is keen to experiment with medleys and diverse music genres. Give her a mic, and she will sing her heart out, be it qawwalis, Sufi or pop music. However, Aima has impressed us the most with her western influenced songs and covers. She has introduced the era of modern music in Pakistan and we are all for it!
Music feats aside, she had hands-on experience co-hosting the comedy talk show Mazaak Raat until her future took a complete U-turn for a full-blown career! Almost every film has her as the lead vocalist in one (or more) tracks. Arth 2, Na Baaja Na Baraati, Balu Mahi, Na Maloom Afraad 2 and Lahore Se Aagey are a few mainstream Pakistani films to feature the young starlet. A force to reckon with, trendsetter Aima Baig has achieved recognition in just a few years, but what is next for her? Maybe a new collaboration or a solo track list? Let’s find out!
“I know what I am capable of and I have my own vocal boundaries, which I am aware of. There is no question of pressure.”
Walk us through your early life and childhood.
AIMA BAIG: It was truly amazing! I had the best time with my parents and siblings. Those are some memories I will always cherish! They are safe and secure in my mind, as they should be. As a child, I was mysterious. My mother thought of me as the weird kid in the family. I was somebody who was quiet and had no tantrums.
What is your tale? How did you venture into singing?
AB: Singing came very naturally to me. I just knew I could sing and somehow I felt that this is what I wanted to do my whole life. Singing is my happy place!
You are widely known for your unconventional vocals. How did you learn the art of singing so well?
AB: I never learned it professionally from anyone or anywhere. Maybe through karaoke’s, years and years of practice and singing alone in my room made me realize the importance of singing. I suppose that helped me learn a bit about it.
Who do you cite as your music influences?
AB: They are mainly from Hollywood because I have always been so fond of English songs. All I ever did were karaoke’s and covers of English songs. So, I would say pretty much all the Hollywood singers there are but nobody particularly from Pakistan, India or any other country.
Are people inherently good singers or is it a craft you learn with time and experience?
AB: No – I know for a fact that you can learn about music but you can never create, produce or sing like someone who has innate talent. One needs to be blessed with a similar gift if he or she really wants to pursue singing as a career.
“I am a very private person but I am an open book as well, if you get to know me.”
How was it like working on the song Item Number opposite Ali Zafar?
AB: Ali Zafar is one of our senior most artists in the industry. It was pretty much a learning experience for me in every aspect. It was great working with him.
Are you planning a studio album anytime soon?
AB: I wouldn’t say an album but I am definitely working on a few singles that I am about to release internationally. I am very excited and nervous at the same time!
I believe Aima Baig is the best thing Pakistan has ever produced. However, with fame comes the pressure to be perfect. Is it a battle you struggle with?
AB: That is a very good question! First off, thank you for the compliment. It definitely causes pressure for those who actually consider it as a profession or competition. For someone like me who is a natural, I don’t find myself under any pressure. I don’t care what people think about how I sing.
I always sing my heart out while composing or jamming. That is what I really do! Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure. I know what I am capable of and I have my own vocal boundaries, which I am aware of. There is no question of pressure. If you are blessed with something, you should rejoice over what you have been given.
In view of media scrutiny, where do you draw the line as a public figure?
AB: There are so many things where I draw the line, especially when it comes to the media. I am a very private person but I am an open book as well, if you get to know me. I don’t have anything to hide but I don’t like to be exposed for something I am not responsible for. I feel pretty nervous and anxious when people overly admire or overly criticize me. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. There are moments when I feel super nervous! That is just who I am.
Who is your fashion icon?
AB: I don’t know, honestly. Different people inspire me in life, on social media and in the field of fashion. I don’t have anyone particular in mind who I can cite as my fashion icon. I am, however, inspired by many people through their fashion sense.
Is acting on the horizon for you?
AB: My priority is singing right now. Although I have been offered many films and dramas, I am into singing only. I think there is so much for me to learn and explore about music. First, I want to establish myself as a singer and then I will think about something else, if my mind gives permission to think about something apart from singing (Laughs).
“I want to establish myself as a singer and then I will think about something else, if my mind gives me permission to think about something apart from singing (Laughs).”
INTERVIEW: HAIDER RIFAAT
STYLING & COORDINATION: RAO ALI KHAN
PhotographS: MHM
Make up & Hair: Fatima Nasir
Location: Nishat Hotel Emporium Mall
