The Sketches

Saif Samejo, the architect of Lahooti, embarked on a journey of Sufi music by forming a band of his own known as The Sketches. Without any prior training in music, Saif began his musical journey in 2001. Even though he did not have a formal training, but he had an understanding of distinct, mystic folk sounds that had an everlasting impression on his auditory perception. This quality beautifully shaped the identity of The Sketches, as this organic essence of the band was visible in their first album Dastakari, which was indeed a breath of fresh air amid the mainstream music of Pakistan. This new approach towards Sufi Music not only empowered indigenous musicians and artists, but also empowered people of these areas to stand up for their rights, be it education, honoring their land or claiming their traditional culture values to unite for a collective cause. The Sketches have been successful in creating a personal philosophy, which allows them to liberate music from its conventional understanding. Their music has educated the young generation about their ancestors, taking their wisdom and acting on it in the present, and for the women and girl-child, their strings build a safe land where they are free to hope and dream again. The Sketches released their second album You in 2016 that celebrates tranquility and bliss within petite moments that are very much evaded in today's world. Preserving the ancient beauty of Sufi sound and nourishing fusion arts and poetry, Samejo firmly believes in displaying a captivating impression of Pakistan's music and culture, through their unsparing initiative of social activism.