Atif Aslam, Mai Dhai, Ali Azmat and others create music magic in Karachi
While Quetta has been mourning (in light of a horrific suicide attack that left over 70 people dead earlier this month) along with several other parts of the country that have been enveloped in mayhem, terror, where horrified parents are missing their kidnapped children, plenty of people in Pakistan chose to see hope despite the dismal situation and
celebrate Independence Day with fanfare and colour.
One such affair was the Azadifest16, a three-day celebration that took place at the beautiful Frere Hall in Karachi and which included, among other things, a theatre play penned by one Anwar Maqsood called Class as well as live performances by king of rock Ali Azmat, singer-songwriter Zoe Viccaji and music group Call. Of course, you can never ever go wrong with Ali Azmat, a fact that was once again confirmed by Azmat’s thrilling performance. Meanwhile Zoe Viccaji, who is back in the spotlight with the picturesque video ‘Ho Jao Azad,’ also spun her magic on the crowd.
This three-day affair also counted in attendance upcoming film Actor-in-Law’s lead stars Fahad Mustafa, Mehwish Hayat as well as the film’s director, Nabeel Qureshi and producer Fizza Ali alongside a fairly massive crowd.
While Frere Hall hosted this shindig, another part of Karachi transformed into a rare sight as Azaadi Rocks Music Festival, sponsored by Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), took place at Eduljee Dinshaw Road in Karachi on the eve of August 14. With the mission to highlight the importance of cultural heritage as well as the idea of reclaiming public spaces, the festival offered attendees a chance to witness some of music’s biggest and brightest names as well as street acts, a marching band, food stalls and fireworks.
The sound of the soil, the woman who has conquered all our hearts, Mai Dhai showcased her rustic magic in a brilliant live performance while music group Fuzon impressed with their stellar musicianship. Others who took the stage include Zoe Viccaji, Kaya band and Chronicles of Khan with Atif Aslam serving as the grand finale of the night. He didn’t disappoint either as he sang some of his biggest hits including the song that started it all, ‘Aadat’ and gave fans a performance to remember.
