“…when somebody sings your song or when somebody has a moment with your song, if you can make even one person smile, or if they can learn something from your visual or audio or the way you sang something, a certain line in your song, I think that’s when you’ve arrived.”
– Farhad Humayun in an interview with kluchit.com
Pakistanis were in shock today when they woke up to news regarding the death of Pakistani record producer, Farhad Humayun. The musician’s death was announced on Overoad’s social media, the Pakistani drum jam band he was associated with.
The post read, “The magnificent Farhad Humayun & Overload left us for the stars this morning. Stoic in the face of challenges, uncompromising in his values, generous to a fault, witty as hell! Fadi was far too ahead of his time, both in spirit and art. He would want us to celebrate his life, so we request his family, friends and fans to honour him and say a prayer for him today. We can almost hear him say these words by David Bowie: ‘I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.’ Godspeed our gentle giant and thank you for creating a Riot!”
Cause Of Death
Farhad Humayun’s cause of death has not yet been revealed. However, in 2018 Farhad posted on Facebook about undergoing surgery for a brain tumour. He hadn’t revealed if it was cancerous but was eager to return to music after his recovery.
He was laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon at the Mian Meer Graveyard in Lahore. Farhad Humayun is survived by his mother, Navid Shahzad, and sisters, Sarah Shahzad and Reema Bukhari.
Farhad Humayun – The Musical Genius Of Our Times
He began his career as an underground musician in 2003. Many of us know Farhad from Overload, but he was also the drummer for, Co-Ven and Mindriot. He also ran Riot Studio, which is a recording studio and live gig venue. His latest hit was “Ho Janay Do” which instantly became a fan favourite.
Condolences & Tributes on Twitter
After the news broke out Pakistanis tweeted their condolences. Fans confessed the importance of Farhad’s music in their lives and how it was the soundtrack to many of their transformative journeys. The Pakistani music fraternity was also deeply saddened by the news.
Ahmed Ali Butt, from the famed Pakistani band EP, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram. He had this to say about Farhad Humayun, “Today @farhad.humayun left us, I have known you almost all my musical life. From Lahore underground days to our professional lives… my friend you have always been ahead of your time. Your passion for music and arts was incredible and the way you truly followed your heart. You will always shine on like a crazy diamond my friend and your work will live forever. Thank you for your kindness, your friendship and your inspiration my brother. Allah bless your soul Ameen.”
Other Pakistani Superstars such as Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar and Shafqat Amanat Ali also paid tribute to Farhad Humayun and tweeted their favourite memories with him and expressed how much they already felt his absence.
We are all deeply saddened by the passing away of one of Pakistan’s favourite musical geniuses and the chasm his absence has left in the music industry will be very difficult to fill. Our condolences to Farhad Humayun’s family, friends and fans. May he Rest In Peace. Amen.
