Legendary Pakistani singer Sajjad Ali believes his music could create the next big superstar on Pakistan Idol — if the show’s producers were actually allowed to use it.
In a recent clip shared on Instagram, the veteran artist said, “Our songs aren’t in Pakistan Idol because they don’t have rights to our songs.” The remark quickly caught attention, sparking conversations about copyright, access, and how licensing restrictions can shape reality TV competitions.
A Frustrating Catch-22
Ali’s point was simple but powerful: contestants on Pakistan Idol might never get to perform some of Pakistan’s most iconic pop hits — including his own — because of tangled rights issues.
And that, he hinted, could make all the difference.
“If they could perform my songs, I’m telling you — the next Idol could be crowned with one of them,” he said with a smile, suggesting that his catalogue still has the emotional and musical punch to wow both judges and audiences.
Why It Hits a Nerve
Sajjad Ali isn’t just another singer making a claim. He’s one of the few artists whose work bridges classical, semi-classical, and pop music in Pakistan. From “Chief Saab” to “Har Zulm” and “Lagaya Dil,” his hits have stood the test of time and continue to inspire younger musicians.
His comment shines a light on a long-standing problem in Pakistani entertainment: music licensing and rights management.
Shows like Pakistan Idol often rely on songs cleared by broadcasters or record labels. If those rights aren’t secured — due to cost, negotiations, or ownership disputes — contestants simply can’t perform them, no matter how iconic they are.
The Bigger Picture
For a show built on nostalgia and musical heritage, missing out on classics like Sajjad Ali’s catalog feels like a creative loss. Many fans online echoed the sentiment, saying contestants would sound “more authentic” if they could sing the songs that shaped Pakistan’s pop sound.
Industry insiders argue it’s a wake-up call. “These rights issues keep holding the industry back,” said one music producer who’s worked with TV talent shows. “We have world-class songs sitting unused because no one’s sorting the paperwork.”
The Artist’s Legacy Continues
Despite the rights roadblock, Sajjad Ali’s influence remains enormous. His live performances — most recently at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi — continue to draw massive crowds. And on digital platforms, his music racks up millions of streams, keeping his relevance alive across generations.
Whether or not Pakistan Idol ever secures permission to feature his music, Sajjad Ali’s point stands: a great song can make — or break — a performance. And maybe, just maybe, crown the next big star.
