Ali Zafar draws big crowds across North America

Singer's 'Roshni' tour attracts 75,000 fans in US, Canada

KARACHI:

Ali Zafar's latest North American tour has turned into one of his biggest international runs, drawing crowds across eight cities while bringing Pakistani music to large audiences in the US and Canada.

The Pakistani singer and actor recently wrapped another major leg of his Roshni Tour with a sold-out show at Houston's Arena Theatre, where more than 4,000 fans turned up on August 14.

The Houston concert also saw Zafar receive recognition as a cultural ambassador. The following day, the singer performed at Sacramento's Cal Expo as part of Pakistan Independence Day celebrations, attracting more than 20,000 people the largest turnout recorded for the event.

With the two shows alone drawing thousands of fans, the tour's total North American attendance has now crossed the 75,000 mark, according to figures shared by the organisers.

The numbers add to what has already been an impressive run for Zafar in North America. Earlier this year, his concert at Celebration Square in Mississauga, Ontario, attracted around 45,000 people, in what was described as one of the largest crowds gathered for a Pakistani artist in the region.

The tour has also taken Zafar to Toronto, Calgary, Los Angeles, San Jose and Dallas, with several venues reporting sold-out shows.

At his concerts, that connection has been visible beyond the numbers. Fans have turned up with handmade signs and portraits, while audiences have included Pakistani families from different generations, from first-generation immigrants to children born and raised in North America.

Reflecting on the response, Zafar said the experience had been about more than performing to large crowds.

The Roshni Tour is scheduled to continue through October, with further international dates expected to be announced. Zafar's Roshni album is currently available across streaming platforms.