Back in July, producer Shiraz Uppal had called out singer Aima Baig for failing to credit him for his significant role in the creation of their song, Funkari, while speaking to a local news outlet. Now, in a candid conversation on the show Bakamal, Uppal has shed light on his decision to “correct” Aima and explained why it would benefit the film and music industry to unlearn a few habits.
Uppal expressed his annoyance at the widespread practice of failing to give hit songcreators their due credit, saying he wished to “set a precedent for newcomers.” Recounting his vast expertise in the industry, Uppal added that he always makes sure to have documentation of his work on whatever project he works on.
The producer also expressed displeasure with the YouTube credits for a song that Atif Aslam sang and that he composed and produced for the movie Bol. He insisted that the world acknowledge his involvement in the song’s songwriting and production, and he asked Shoaib Mansoor, the film’s director, to correct the credits.
People are skilled at withholding proper credit from artists. I thus wanted to establish a precedent, if only for these newcomers,” Uppal added.
“I wrote, composed, and recorded the song that she [Aima] mentioned in the video bite. Additionally, I always have documentation of my projects. All I wanted was for Aima to review our conversation to see when we performed this song.
Shakeel Sohail Lyricist
Shakeel Sohail, the lyricist she mentioned, was one of my closest friends who wrote for me for twenty years. Regretfully, he died in June 2020, two years ago. May the Almighty bless his soul. And in November, I penned Funkari. Thus, Aima persisted in her insistence that Sohail Sahab was the author.
And I found that annoying. Does she believe that I would harm a buddy in that way? How is it possible for someone to write to you after they pass away? I had to respond to that.
The host went on to question why a Bol song, which was written, produced, and sung by Uppal, was only given credit on YouTube for Atif Aslam. “I saw this personally a year ago. I have never mentioned it to Shoaib [Mansoor] Sahab, but since everyone knows that I wrote and produced the song, if he happens to be viewing this, I would like to ask him to please correct that credit.
Aima had stated that she and the late lyricist Shakeel Sohail co-wrote Funkari in an interview with a local news source in July. On the other hand, Uppal is identified as Funkari’s only writer and composer in the music video that Baig posted to YouTube. The Universal Music Group 2023 has a license for the song.
Funkari’s dispute serves as a clear reminder of the sometimes overlooked struggles that take place within the music industry. In addition to defending his creative integrity, Uppal’s decision to criticize Aima Baig is a call for an industry crediting structure that is more open, equitable, and transparent. As the narrative progresses, it raises more general questions on the significance of honoring and recognizing the contributions of all musicians who have made music.