#40 - Nabeel Nihal Chishty - The Journey to Aaroh

A for Aleph Podcast

In this episode of Aleph Podcast join us in a captivating conversation as we dive into the life and music of Nabeel Nihal Chishty - best known for his role as lead guitarist and musical composer for the band Aaroh.
From his early days in Saudi Arabia to his musical odyssey in Pakistan, Nabeel's story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Discover how he struck the right chords in both his professional career and his musical pursuits, including his remarkable work with Aaroh that left an indelible mark on Pakistan's music scene. This is a conversation that resonates with the soul, inspiring the pursuit of dreams.
Nabeel Nihal Chishty, a guitar maestro, was born on May 9, 1976, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His journey into the world of music started in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where he, along with childhood friends Farooq Rauf, Ashraf Ansari, and Shehzad Hussain, formed the band "Arena." Their humble beginnings involved composing music and recording it on cassette recorders.
Nabeel's pursuit of music led him to Karachi, where he honed his guitar skills under the mentorship of Faraz Anwar. Despite his family's emphasis on education, Nabeel managed to balance his academic and musical passions.
Further educational pursuits took him to the United States, where he explored Western classical music and continued to nurture his musical talents. Returning to Karachi in 1998, he crossed paths with Kami, a prominent music producer, who recognized Nabeel's talent and encouraged him to pursue a professional music career in Pakistan.
Nabeel's collaboration with Kami led to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a gifted musician. He also recorded guitars for Junaid Jamshed's album, "Dil Ki Baat," marking a departure from his rock roots.
His partnership with vocalist Farooq led to the formation of 'Raag,' and the two quickly found musical synergy. Their collaboration ultimately birthed the band "Aaroh."
Aaroh entered 2002’s inaugural Pepsi's Battle of the Bands competition, emerging as winners after a thrilling showdown with Entity Paradigm.
The release of Aaroh's debut album, "Sawaal," in 2003, propelled them to stardom, selling over a million copies nationwide. Nabeel's journey is a testament to his remarkable musical talents, determination, and unwavering passion for music. Today, he resides in Dubai, balancing a successful career in IT with his musical pursuits under the name 'Nabeel Nihal Project.' His story continues to inspire the Pakistani music scene.
Follow Nabeel:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nerve9ine
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2iH97JjzJTPVJb9diDqUqk?si=W4sVJwyVQL6dxxW55zCW7Q
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nabeel-nihal-chishty/1594044202
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nnchishty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabeelnihalchishty/
Follow Aaroh:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0FkdHz5RBdvLUTBf97WRSo?si=IoXKi7U1Q3OkuV-keitwNw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aaroh/252937943
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarohofficial4752
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AarohOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarohofficial/
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A for Aleph is a unique creative collaborative space and initiative based in Karachi, Pakistan, that is focused on the patronage and empowerment of the arts and foster the growth of independent contemporary artists from across the region in order to heal, evolve and expand our collective consciousness, the Aleph.
More here: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph