Razwan Bobby Sarwar is a Doha-based British-Pakistani who has fast been finding his feet in Qatar as a music composer. A music teacher and composer, Razwan recently got a new feather in his plume after his Arab music composition was selected by BBC to play for its production on World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.
As the games will kick start today, the British media house is all set to run the melodious composition of Razwan who has used different instruments to create the Arab composition.
Razwan who works as the Head of Music at Sherborne Qatar recently spoke with Community about his composition and the students’ choir that he leads.
“It all started when BBC approached me through the school and requested Arab/Middle Eastern music to be composed for their production for the athletics championships. I accepted the challenge.”
Razwan who holds professional education in music from England, further said: “The BBC wanted to have the composition of Arab music. I used different traditional Arab instrument such as Arabic drum, Zither, and darbuka – Arabic tabla. The two minute-long music composition sounds beautiful Arab/Middle Eastern music.”
Razwan, who has been in Qatar for about four years, said: “I am actually experienced in creating fusion of Western and South Asian/Bollywood music. As the South Asian music is not much different from Arab music, I became successful in bringing out a composition that gives real Arab taste. I applied modern music technology to record different instruments at one time. I did not collaborate with any instrumental players this time but used the help of technology.”
The composer who manages the music department of the school is also all set to lead the choir of 100 young students who will perform in Katara on October 3. “The event is being organised by Katara in collaboration with South African embassy and Sherborne Qatar. ‘Cantus’ – A Celebration of Voice and Instrument will be held at Drama Theatre at 7pm. As I manage the music and drama at the school, I will lead the young choir for the concert.”
Razwan got real inspiration for music from his father, who was also a musician. He started playing music when he was only 10 years old. The composer further said: “My school was awarded the best repertoire award during the Primary School Choir Competition in February 2019.
“I have also been composing and recording music for different media houses around the world including England and Pakistan. I have also composed four Bollywood songs. The songs are independent music. I have also worked with Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. I am also in contact with Qatar’s prominent musician Dana Alfardan and we are planning to co-ordinate for a music project soon. I have also played music with famous Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Indian singer Neha Kakar in Qatar.”
Razwan, who believes in continuous learning, said: “I am a big believer in continuous learning in order to broaden my knowledge and experience. I am able to establish a supportive relationship with not only learners but also their parents and fellow teachers all with the aim of promoting and reinforcing a learner’s independence and self-esteem.”
Razwan is all praise for Qatar because of the opportunities the country has thrown at him so far. “I am lucky that I am in Qatar. I have been given different opportunities. Even the BBC opportunity I got while being in Doha. Further, the place is very peaceful and conducive to create and compose music. The people here also appreciate and encourage music artistes.”