Sanam Marvi casts sufi spell in Paris

Embassy of Pakistan brings folk and spiritual music to life in the city of lights

ISLAMABAD:

The echoes of Pakistani folk and Sufi music filled the Theatre de la Ville in Paris on Sunday night as celebrated singer Sanam Marvi left a packed audience spellbound with her soulful performance.

The concert, jointly organised by the Embassy of Pakistan and the Theatre de la Ville, offered Parisians a rare opportunity to experience the spiritual depth and melodic power of Pakistani music, according to a message received here.

The evening was a tribute not only to Marvi's voice but to the centuries-old spiritual traditions of Pakistan's folk and Sufi heritage. Known for her ability to blend emotional intensity with devotional grace, the singer captivated the crowd with renditions that carried both passion and peace.

Pakistan's Ambassador to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch praised the performance, calling it a celebration of cultural connection. She thanked the theatre's management for once again bringing Pakistani music to life in the heart of Paris - a venue that had once hosted the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The ambassador acknowledged the efforts of Soudabeh Kia, Conseillère Musique du Monde, for her continued patronage of international art and music. Ambassador Baloch underlined the importance of such initiatives, saying that in today's world, "cultural diplomacy connects people, societies and countries'.

Ambassador Baloch expressed joy over the sold-out concert and voiced hope for more collaborations in the performing arts between Pakistan and France in the future.

Sanam Marvi, deeply moved by the audience's appreciation, said the warmth she received from the international crowd reaffirmed her belief in the universality of music. "Music is the spice of life and we love our traditional music," she said.

Born in Sindh, Marvi began singing at a young age and has since gained global recognition for her stirring interpretations of folk and Sufi poetry.

The management of Theatre de la Ville described the concert as part of their effort to foster cultural understanding through music. They said performances such as Marvi's allow French audiences to enjoy the sounds of the world while learning about the cultures behind them.

"Music has no boundaries," they noted, adding that the event aimed to nurture love for international music and highlight the spirit of unity it brings.

For one evening, the rhythms of Sindh and the verses of Sufi mystics resonated through the historic theatre, reminding all present that the language of the heart needs no translation.