Islooites put their hands up for “aloo chaat”!

RDB concert at the End of Times New Year’s party.

ISLAMABAD: Islooites let their hair down and grooved to the beats with Rhythm Dhol Bass (RDB) to welcome the New Year.

The city was given a much-needed boost via a huge concert with performances by the British-Punjabi band RDB, Dj Tranquilizer and DJ Shahrukh at the End of Times New Year’s event, with the polo ground near Lake View Park serving as the venue.

With youngsters coming in droves amid tight security, fears of any mishap were forgotten as everyone welcomed RDB on stage with cheers and hoots; the party had begun!

RDB, performing in Pakistan after a three-year gap, gave a continuous upbeat performance as everyone hit the dance floor with their Bhangra moves dancing to some of their famous tracks such as “Bilo ni tera lal ghagra” (pretty woman in a red dress) and “Aloo chaat” (potato salad).

A minute short of midnight, a countdown started, with RDB and the crowd chanting through the last 10 seconds of 2011, as a fireworks display outside marked the end of the year; although a bigger fireworks display could have added more spice to the event.

RDB was followed by Lahore-based Dj Shahrukh. Shahrukh changed up the mood with the best party songs of the year including some desi remixes, which caused the dance floor to get so packed that many decided to congregate around their own makeshift floors across the marquee.

“I’ve come with a group of friends and even though we were a little concerned about security, everything’s been great,” said Nur, a young lady at the event.  Dutch-Pakistani Dj Tranquilizer also performed.

When asked about their experiences performing in Pakistan, RDB vocalist Harbi Singh told The Express Tribune that “artists are only made by the audience. The audience in Pakistan is one of the best audiences and we’ve always received very warm welcomes here.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd,  2012.