Brunch surprise: Uplifting spirits, ‘Overload’ style

Band delivers impromptu performance

ISLAMABAD: Sunday brunch was served “Overload” style as the band gave a flash mob performance at Kohsar market, pleasantly surprising patrons, staffers and onlookers with their loud and ecstatic drum and dhol beats.

The band played a 20 minute live set of their signature beats with Farhad Humayun on snare drum, and Nasir Sain and Kala Sain on the dhol, whirling as they performed. The impromptu performance instantly caught the attention of everyone present at the market, as they rushed to form a circle around the performers. Audiences were seen dancing and cheering the band and video recording the performance on their smart phones.  “We were completely surprised to see overload the band perform here on the streets of Islamabad. It was just mesmerising to watch the performance at this market, which is usually loaded with rangers and tight security,” said Fauziah Mahmood, a patron of the market.

“Whenever we see people gather in public, we assume that a fight is going on so watching Farhad Humayun and his band perform upbeat beats, that too for free, was very entertaining for us,” said Omar Waqas, who was at a restaurant in the market.



Overload travelled to Islamabad to meet with the US Embassy, as they plan to tour the South by Southwest Music festival in Texas in 2016, facilitated by Foundation for the Culture and Arts, an Islamabad-based NGO.

The success of the band’s performance proves the immense role that music plays in uplifting people’s spirits.

“There is no public space for music anymore – and what little there was is constantly shrinking. We decided to do an impromptu performance just to uplift spirits and bring a little joy to a sedated Islamabad where we have a big fan base. The only way to play music in Pakistan is to take it to the people and that’s what we did at the risk of being charged for disrupting the status quo,” said Humayun.

“Overload believes it is important to remember that public assemblies can be joyous and liberating. They do not necessarily have to reflect anger or violence, which is why we did this without sponsorship or funding. This is not a campaign for anything. It’s what we as artists and responsible and peaceful citizens of Pakistan believe in,” the musician added.

The surprise performance became the talk of the town as videos of the band’s performance were shared on social media. Overload has plans performances in other parts of Pakistan as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2015.