Daily Times

Rachel Viccaji was born in Kharian to a Christian mother and Parsi father. She has one sister Zoe Vicaji and a brother, Cyrus Viccaji. She is ethnically Punjabi but presently lives in Karachi and is one of the best female musicians in the industry. She is a featured artist on tracks such as, ‘Shamaan Pai Gaiyaan/Kee Dam Da Bharosa’ and ‘Kaatay Na Katay’, in Coke Studio Season 11.

Rachel has performed in theatre and has also directed a few plays. Currently she is playing a supporting role in Asim Raza’s upcoming movie ‘Parey Hut Luv’.

Recently, we got a chance to talk and I asked her about her music choices, inspiration and what’s really going on in her career.

When did you first start singing and what inspired you to come into the field of music?

I remember I started singing when I was only four. I did my undergraduate in Psychology from the Szabist University but music was always my first love. My early years were spent singing in the Church and caroling on Christmas. I got my formal training in the genre of eastern classical from Ustaad Rauf. My entry in the showbiz world started with an underground band when I was 17. But my mother is the one from whom I got inspired and started my career in field of music.

What according to you has been your biggest achievement so far?

I personally believe working with so many incredible singers in Pakistan is my biggest achievement. Also being a part of “Chicago and Mamma Mia”, the musicals staged in Karachi and Coke Studio.

What do you believe is the future of Coke Studio?

We are all aware that Coke Studio debuted in 2008 as an attempt to save the Pakistani music industry at a time when it was in decline. There is no doubt that Coke Studio has produced some masterpieces and gave a wider recognition to talented singers. I am hoping that Coke Studio continues for many more season as it’s a platform for discovering a new talent in music industry. Coke studio in Pakistan is loved by every generation and this is their biggest achievement so far.

Coke Studio is different from all other shows because it’s something creative. Everyone here comes with an idea and we explore it as a team. We share our feelings and emotions as a team. This makes it a family.

How has been your Coke Studio experience?

Simply amazing.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I love to listen to old songs and even pop music. When I was growing up, I used to listen to great Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin and Ella Fitzgerald. However, I am discovering my own style of music. I love playing jazz and feel that this is my style, but I also have a penchant for funk as well, so I am looking forward to create music in these genres.

What would you be, if you were not a singer?

I don’t consider myself just a singer. If I wasn’t a singer then I would be an actress, photographer, creative consultant or director. I love to explore things.

Are you willing to help young and talented singers when they seek your guidance?

Yes. Of course I do help newcomers and youngsters who want to pursue a career in music. I believe that a true talent should not go to waste. I feel very bad that we don’t have good platforms in the country where youngsters can showcase their talent and make their dreams come true.

The interviewer is a social and political activist based in Lahore. He has done his Masters and MPhil in Communication Studies.He can be reached at salmanali088@gmail.com, tweets at Salmani_salu

Published in Daily Times, December 10^th 2018.