School concert: An electrifying performance makes it a night to remember

Ali Zafar revs up crowd with fast beats.

ISLAMABAD: It was a night to remember for hundreds of students of the twin cities who were treated to a concert by Ali Zafar at the end of a three-day Millennial Model United Nations 2013. Roots Millennium School had organised the event on Sunday evening for students as a reward for their hard work.

Dressed to impress, it was evident that the teenagers had made an effort to look special for the evening. While girls had straightened their locks, the boys had gelled their back hair. Two hours before the concert, food and drinks were arranged for the students to recharge themselves. As students anxiously walked in and out of the marquee to confirm that the concert was yet to start. Hiba Nasir, media director and a student of Roots, said rumours had been circulating in the school’s corridors and many did not believe that Zafar would actually make it to the event. But sales went up as soon as it was confirmed that he would come, for the first time in three years.

As the sun went down, the musical evening picked up momentum. Many students were hustling for the front row. Having an edge over students from other schools, Roots students managed to secure the first seats through their friends who were among the organisers and bouncers. “I’m so happy my best friend is on the organising team and I’m the closest to Ali Zafar,” said Mirha Pasha, a student.

The VJ came on stage announcing the arrival of the rock star followed by a countdown. As soon as the wait was over, Zafar jumped on stage. Dressed in a grey T-shirt, black jeans tucked in ankle high-boots and a canvas hat, his energised performance revved up the crowd. As the teenagers pressed close to the stage, Zafar managed to keep the crowd bouncing and dancing to his beats successfully for an hour and a half.

There are no doubts about Zafar’s tracks being a hit at any teenagers’ party playlist. Adding additional beats to the otherwise slow track, Zafar started the show with “Chal dil meray,” from his first album. He followed up by some old Bollywood tunes meshed with his latest songs.  After the electrifying performance by Zafar, DJ Barrister took over.

It was a great opportunity for students to unwind after an intense three-day session, said Mohammad Abdul Waseh, a student of O Levels final year, as everyone danced the night away.

Roots Millennium Schools Chief Executive Officer Faisal Mushtaq told The Express Tribune that young people in Islamabad were deprived of entertainment which was why he had made an extra effort to make the event memorable. “I make sure to mix fun with learning through such events,” he said.

Some 750 students from the twin cities, Lahore and Peshawar had registered for the millennial session that lasted from September 27 till 30th.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2013.