Fawad Khan to rock Pepsi Battle of the Bands stage again

Recently released teaser hints at performances by Kashmir, Badnaam, Meesha Shafi and Strings


Rahul Aijaz July 05, 2018
PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

KARACHI: Last year, Pepsi Battle of the Bands returned to the music scene after a gap of 15 long years. While the first season – back in 2002 – gave us bands like EP and Aaroh, among tonnes of other fresh talent, the second season last year made new stars out of bands like Kashmir and Badnaam.

'Battle of the Bands' finale: Kashmir crowned winners, epic performances steal the show

As the young talent of Pakistan grows, we are anxiously awaiting the third season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands, which is right around the corner. With the upcoming series set to premiere on air in about two weeks’ time – on July 15, to be precise – The Express Tribune lays out what it knows about the show so far.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

While it’s been confirmed that the judges for this season will include Fawad Khan, Meesha Shafi and Strings, sources revealed Aaroh vocalist Farooq Ahmed will also be appearing as a guest judge during the auditions rounds of the show. Meanwhile Vital Signs co-founder Shahi Hasan, who was part of the jury last year, will instead be taking on the new role of music producer this season.

One of the most exciting parts will be to witness Strings on the stage. The dynamic duo of Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood automatically builds up the excitement and intrigue. This time, sources have revealed that they will be performing one of their biggest hits Hai Koi Hum Jesa, the signature track of their compilation album with the namesake title, which was released in 2003.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

Fawad, besides making his return as part of the jury, will be performing again this year. This time, the Maula Jutt star, is set to perform alongside 17 musicians who will most likely be the contestants of the show.

Further, the Pepsi Battle of the Bands teaser, to be launched on Friday, is a ‘teaser’ in the true sense of the word: it teases the holy devil out of us. The 10-second clip shows a glimpse of what else once can expect to see in the show’s upcoming season.

Of course, we are sure to see the judges perform on the grand blue stage. The teaser also revealed Meesha on the stage for a split second, alongside Badnaam vocalist Ahmed Jilani. It’s probably safe to assume fans will be treated to a duet by the former Overload member and the Kala Jora Pa crooner.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY PHOTO: PUBLICITY

We also managed to get a glimpse of Kashmir and Badnaam in the teaser and but it remains yet to be seen what role they will be playing on the show. Both bands have found success since the previous season and recently launched their solo albums as well.

'Battle of the Bands' winner Kashmir pay heartfelt tribute to Junaid Jamshed



While there are no confirmed reports on a potential Junoon reunion, all clues point to it actually happening. Guess, we will just have to wait for July 15 to actually see if the speculations come true.

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COMMENTS (1)

Husnain Sagheer. | 5 years ago | Reply I hope shahi hassan doing his best performance this year,i am so excited.
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