THE ICON INTERVIEW:ZOHAIB AND HIS IDENTITY.

Like many musicians, Zohaib Kazi works out of a studio built inside his home in Karachi. However, unlike other musicians, the studio is a grand, eclectic space.

Along with the usual items one would find, such as equipment, mics, speakers, monitors and musical instruments, that make up a digital audio workstation, Kazi's studio has elements of the earth as well: a wooden floor, climbing plants with vines that creep up the window panes, branches that hang down from the ceiling. There are possessions that Kazi has collected over the years - paintings, carpets, artefacts, that have been hung lovingly across the walls. It's clear that Kazi has a habit of trying to bring things together.

One wonders how Kazi has managed to save all the mementos in his studio, considering he has shifted homes several times in his lifetime, and the process of packing, unpacking and storing can result in the loss and abandonment of things.

Originally a resident of North Karachi in his younger days, Kazi moved to the south of the city in the '90s, and has moved homes several times since getting married. It's a feeling many among us can relate to, as Kazi believes that 'Karachiites are in a constant state of displacement. Either you are planning to leave, or will leave eventually. It feels like our stay isn't permanent here.'

Musician and producer Zohaib Kazi has a habit of trying to bring things together. He has been passionate about bringing recognition to indigenous artists and styles. So why does he feel he is fighting a losing cultural battle?

He touches upon a feeling that Pakistanis are particularly sensitive to nowadays - that our friendships, professional networks and other relationships that we've invested in over the years, or have grown to depend on, are coming to an abrupt and painful end because many people are leaving Pakistan. 'Nobody really wants to go, but we are forced to.'

Karachi and its identity

This is in stark contrast to the original identity of Karachi, the city Kazi has grown to love and find love in. Considered the business hub of the country, people often found themselves coming to Karachi to find work and an upgraded lifestyle and livelihood.

'You would see religious and cultural diversity in Karachi before. We would see nuns in their attires, Parsis, Jews, etc. A lot of the culture of this city has always been borrowed. But we see less and less of that diversity now.' In short, Kazi reflects that the identity of Karachi lies in our...