A HUDDERSFIELD singer could become Pakistan’s latest pop sensation.
Shely Hassan, of Lockwood, has reached the finals of Azme Alishan, Pakistan’s answer to the X Factor.
The competition, which is said to attract audiences from around the globe, was organised to change people’s perceptions of Pakistan.
Shely said: “I heard about Azme Alishan through a friend, I then submitted my song online.
“I wrote the song, the lyrics and created the music.
“A panel of judges then selected about 100 people to compete against each and for the next round it went down to 60.
“After that there was another round and 30 of us went to Karachi for the semi-finals.
“I came home after that and then was told that I had reached the final ten and so I flew back out for the finals.”
Shely, who came to Huddersfield two years ago, wrote and sang Du Mera Dil – which means You Are My Heart – in the final.
He has been singing professionally at weddings and other events for the past three years and is known in the UK as a Bollywood singer.
He said: “I was inspired by my wife Ashfa to enter the competition.When I fell in love with her I started to sing and since she has been very supportive.”
Shely, who has just completed a business degree at Bradford University returned from the competition on August 1 and is waiting for the TV show to be aired on satellite channel Ary.
Amil Khan who is part the team that organise the competition said: “We were really excited to have a British Pakistani entrant.
“Shely was our first competitor to come from England and he has been very popular with everybody.
“He embodies all the qualities that we are looking for in a pop star including his positive attitude and he also wants the country to do well and improve.
“Pop music is huge in Pakistan and many Pakistani stars are popular in the United Arab Emirates, India and England.
“The band judging the competition, Fuzon, are a huge inspiration across the world and that is why they were chosen as the judges.
“Shely did not just represent Pakistan but he represented Britain as well.”
Azme Alishan is a Pakistani campaign aimed at young people to celebrate in the country’s culture and identity.
It was launched in March 2010 and encompasses a range of competitions including the search for best artist.
