Concert: Divine connection: sufi music and more

Arieb Azhar and Malang Party perform at Kuch Khaas.

ISLAMABAD:

In yet another electrifying performance, song-writer and musician Arieb Azhar mesmerised a packed audience at Kuch Khaas on Friday evening. The universe conspired to keep the weather pleasant and downpour at bay. A cool breeze, mingled with the aroma of barbeque, wafted through the air.

In the opening act, Malang Party warmed up the crowd with their upbeat numbers. As the evening wore on, Azhar took to the stage to perform a selection from his latest album, “Live in Chicago” that showcases his tour in the United States last year.

With his powerful vocals, Azhar seamlessly engaged the audience, blending sufi soul and urban folk. In an orchestra of sorts, Zeeshan Mansoor (guitar), Akmal Qadri (flute), Kashif Ali Dani (tabla), Zain Ali (quarter) and Ibrahim Akram (drums) created an eclectic mix of sound and rhythm.

Many in the audience broke into bhangra near the stage. Through the flickering spotlights and smoke, the silhouette of a woman performing dhamaal could be traced throughout the evening. Pumped up by the beats, the roaring crowd danced, cheered, clapped, whistled and sang in chorus at various intervals.



The all-encompassing album is a mix of mystic poetry, devotional kaafi, blues and reggae. Though experimental, the sound works well and leaves a pleasing effect on the listener. But the essence of the album can be summed up in “Aaj tou kehday”, a song inspired by the work of the Sindhi poet Sheikh Ayaz. The translation says, “Speak out today… I have no homeland, the whole world is my home.”

“This has to be one of the most exciting performances I’ve been to for a while. I literally couldn’t help but dance,” said an audience member, Rabia, balancing a toddler in her arms. After the show, which ended well after its stipulated time, Azhar signed autographs on CDs that were up for purchase at the venue.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2013.