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No one could've foreseen Michael Jackson's death. As the new Coke Studio episode hit airwaves last Sunday, one heard Atif
belt 'Billie Jean' while performing his own composition of 'Wasta Pyar
Da'. When Atif was recording this song, it was in March earlier this
year and Michael Jackson was still alive. Three months later as the
song went on air, Michael Jackson is no longer with us.
"I
was humming 'Billie Jean' at Coke Studio and it went from there," says
Atif of fusing 'Billie Jean' into Coke Studio. "I've been a huge fan of
Michael Jackson. His demise is an irreplaceable loss and this is my
tribute to him," Atif added. Even
though Atif Aslam is no Michael Jackson, the track 'Wasta Pyar Da' was
smooth, haunting and interesting. The jump in between from 'Wasta' to
the words from 'Billie Jean' - "People Always Told Me Be Careful Of
What You Do/And Don't Go Around Breaking Young Girls' Hearts/And Mother
Always Told Me Be Careful Of Who You Love/And Be Careful Of What You Do
'Cause The Lie Becomes The Truth/Billie Jean Is Not My Lover/She's Just
A Girl Who Says That I Am The One" - and back and forth throughout the
song gave it an edge. Some might not even approve of Atif's 'Billie
Jean', especially as Michael continues to dominate headlines even in
his death, but as a singer, what is commendable is that Atif never
imitated Michael. It was experimental, daring and challenging. MJ, we
think, would approve.
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