Cluck your hearts out

Event had performances from 5 and 8, a band with 5 year old Yahya and 8 year old Basim playing Djembe drums.

LAHORE: There has always been a dearth of activities for the youth in the country and the deteriorating socio-political conditions have further pigeonholed children in their homes with their play stations as their only respite.

Things seem to be changing however, with one entertainment management company, Origami Entertainment which has been hosting unconventional events such as stand up comedies and concerts, targeted at the youth. The most significant contribution however that Origami has made is to introduce open-mic nights where all and sundry can perform and unleash their talent to the public. The modestly priced ticket of Rs200 ensures that everyone with passion and taste for the stage comes to the fore to support budding stars.

Speaking about the event, Mehreen Rana the CEO of Origami Entertainment said that, “The open-mic nights at Nandos provide a platform for people of all ages and from all walks of life to exhibit their talent and have fun. Kids, teenagers and housewives perform alongside professional singers and entertainers here. The important thing is that everybody enjoys themselves.” True to her words the performers ranged from school children to college students, housewives and professional performers.

The majority of the audience comprised of families who had come to see their children perform. “My son is performing, he turned 13 today. He really likes the performing arts and says he wants to become a film director when he grows up” said a beaming Mrs Mannan.

Fatima, a teacher at the Beaconhouse School Lahore, who performed Rahat Fateh Ali’s “Tu na Janay” said that she pursued music as a hobby and “To be given a chance to perform alongside professionals was very encouraging.” The event also had performances from 5 and 8, a band with 5 year old Yahya and 8 year old Basim playing Djembe drums.

The show featured an exciting magic act. “Although music has made it big in Pakistan, other creative talents like magic don’t get their fair share of attention in the country,” Tabraze Sheikh told The Express Tribune. Sheikh, a medical student at the University of Lahore and an amateur magician said that he considered Harry Houdini his inspiration. His acts including the famous cuff keys, homage to the great Houdini and he left the audience breathless after swallowing a thread and several needles, regurgitating the threaded needles.

Another success story was Ahsan and Adeel performing a rap rendition of the famous Bollywood song “Sheila Ki Jawani” that got a roaring applause.

Events like these are a good starting point for amateurs and they provide good exposure to bands that are just starting out said Haroon Sheikh of Aag. Aag started off by publicising their music on Facebook and have recently released a music video of their title track.

Of late cultural activities in the provincial metropolis have been limited. Most events happen in private clubs, upscale hotels and are not well publicised due to security fears. Taimur Rehman, the lead singer of Laal said that although he wasn’t performing at the event he was attending to show his support. Rehman says,“Culture and art are important for the growth of a society. Cultural activities in Pakistan and in Lahore in particular had become restricted to university campuses. Events like the open-mic night at Nandos make them accessible to a wider audience.”

“We’re hoping to make this event a regular feature,” said Mehreen Rana. “The most important thing is that people from all walks of life should be able to showcase their talent and have fun.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th,  2011.