Sonu Niigaam - Rafi Resurrected Birmingham Symphony Hall

Sonu Niigaam (as he prefers his name to be spelt) is to be part of a world's first.
In a first of its kind recording, the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, an elite 80 member outfit, has joined with India's leading vocalist, Sonu Niigaam, to create a unique first of its kind album, Rafi Resurrected.

The album was spawned from a discussion over two years ago between composer / arranger for the Orchestra, Tim Pottier, and an Indian friend. As a result, Tim became interested in Indian film music, particularly Mohammad Rafi. Over the course of the next year, in an effort to find material that could be played by a symphony orchestra, Pottier listened to dozens of Rafi songs. In the end, he chose the 18 songs that appear on the album, these were performed at a show in Birmingham early April, last year.

The CBSO then approached Saregama with the vision of releasing an album. The company took the concept a step further. To bring a special magic to the album, they requested the one person who does the best rendition of Mohammad Rafi and considers him to be his 'spiritual Guru', - Sonu Niigaam, who seems to have a karmic connection with 'His' Rafi Saab.

The CBSO parts were recorded in Birmingham and from April 18 at Empire Studios, the results of that will be dub by Sonu in Mumbai.

Sonu is as enthusiastic about the project as Saregama, although he has refused to cover songs by Mohammad Rafi on several occasions. "I share Saregama's vision of taking Indian music to a higher platform through endeavours like this," says Sonu. "It is time due recognition was given to Rafi Saab who is like my unseen father in the Heavens and whom I revere like a son does."

Rafi Resurrected is an 18 song musical feast that bring for the first time a symphonic interpretation of Indian film music.

The songs include such treasures as: Yaad Na Jaaye Beete Dinon Ki from Dil Ek Mandir. The ever popular Tareef Karoo Kya Uski from Kashmir Ki Kali, Pathar Ke Sanam from the film of the same name,as well as the absolutely brilliant Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho from the film Hanste Zakhm.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sonu
• nigam
• niigaam
• birmingham
• CBSO
• Birmingham
• Symphony
• live
• Mohammed
• Rafi
• Tribute
• concert

[kakainternational]

Mehboob Chohan did a better performance last year. He was taught by rafi saab!

[ajkenth]

but was it with a 75 piece orchestra?

[Xazzer81]

how many people attended?

[ajkenth]

the place was full! so what ever the capacity of the symphony hall is!

[FalaknaazG]

Well said. Rafi clones will come and go. Sonu Niigaam has made a name for himself in the Indian music industry as someone with a style of his own. After Mohammad Rafi if someone's versatility and emoting can be sworn by, it is Sonu Niigaam's. Today, Sonu Niigaam is such a big name that only he can bring the attention needed to such a project.

[abhinavim09]

sonu is gr8..no singer of 2day can match his talent....Sonu after Md Rafi is d best singer bollywood has ever produced...

[eksaeksa]

there is lot of vibration in voice - not required for this song. probably if you listen to original and this you will know its not 19-20 but 50-100.

[BJ7522]

real hambak just go and find some song that mr sonu and sing u just not compatible yeh i have listern all the songs u only trying i feel u should stop and get ur hair cut u look like shit

[golathala89]

guys i really think udit ji and kumar sanu and sonu they are the best rite now after rafisahab and kishore da! seriously they all are really versatile singers! i mean all the singers had sang for all kinds of actors! and its not only singer but also the actor needs to know the impression of the songs that has sung by the singers so dont just argue just litsen to the songs only and than u will be able to tell!

[mooazz]

AMG

[russelindia]

pls listen to the orignal by rafi.......and it will be evident that sonu is no match for rafi.......

[genuionquest]

i think the isolated singer shabir kumar can sing far better than sonu nigham. just listen his song,,1- apne dil se bari dushmani ki,,2- pyar kiya nahin jata 3- jab hum jawan honge and many other. you cant find one single song out of whole collection of sonu which can equal it. indian music industry is all about patronage and politics. this is my innocuous perception

[oceanbound222]

Brilliant tribute to Rafi the Great ~~~~~