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    Let the Music Begin!

    Written by: Amna Javed
    Posted on: April 19, 2015 |

    Arieb Azhar (L) and Zeejah Fazli (R) the Directors of Music Mela at the opening session

    The second Music Mela Conference and Festival, kicked-off at Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad on Friday, 17th April 2015. The three-day event brings together some of the biggest names of Pakistan’s industry to the heart of the capital. The event is being jointly organized by the Foundation for Arts Culture and Education (FACE), the United States Embassy and Pakistan Television.

    Featuring 25 acts from various music genres, the event, on its opening night, attracted hordes of music enthusiasts from across Pakistan as well as international speakers and promoters from the international community. US Ambassador, Richard Olsen, while addressing the crowds emphasized, “Music has a special power to overcome barriers – regardless of language, geography, or culture.”

    Music Mela 2015 at PNCA Islamabad

    Fazal Jutt (Punjabi Folk Daastan) had the audience swaying to the beat of the 'dhol'

    The live performances at the Mela defied the cynics who would have one believe that the live music scene is dead in Islamabad, as the audience swayed to the euphonious musical performances throughout the evening.

    The Music Mela is a platform to showcase Pakistan’s indigenous music to the world as well as the local Pakistani audience. A brainchild of Arieb Azhar and Zeejah Fazli, the Music Melaaims to revive the live gig and performance prospects in the capital. “Until there are live performances or live music, the Pakistani Music Industry will not thrive,” said Arieb in his inaugural speech.

    Music Mela 2015 at PNCA Islamabad

    Niaz Khan's captivating Pushto Folk performance

    Pakistan is not the image most fans conjure up when they think of trance, indie, progressive rock or jazz music. The country is primarily known for its qawalis and classical genres.  The addition of traditional folk, rock and fusion music along with American and Polish jazz and contemporary artists, the Melaprovided a glimpse into the country’s rich and diverse but underexposed music arena.

    With an impressive music line-up, the décor and lightening at the venue also was remarkably done; however there were minor issues with the sound system. Showered in confetti and bursting with excitement, Niaz Khan performed the famous ‘Bibi Shireene’, as the young audience grooved to its melodious tune. Fazal Jutt then took the stage and narrated how the culture of ‘Dastaan Gohi’ (story telling with music) has been forgotten and there is a dire need to rekindle it. Continuing his father Ashiq Jutt’s legacy, Fazal Jutt enchanted the audience with his performance on Mirza and Sahiba. The twenty-minute performance added immense energy to the event as all those in attendance swayed to the beat of the ‘dhol’.

    Music Mela 2015 at PNCA Islamabad

    The thrilling fire dance from Cholistan, Pakistan

    Shamoon Ismail of the ‘Jutt Blues’ fame then took center stage and had the audience on its feet yet again. Krishan Laal Bheel, the talented South Punjabi artist who sings in eight different languages, brought a unique performance from Cholistan. The troupe that had accompanied Bheel displayed an outstanding fire dance that left the attendees dazed.

    Polish singer Maria Pomianovska and the American contemporary artist, Grace Mc Lean also electrified the venue with their terrific performances.  The first days show concluded with a moving Sufi performance by Hadiqa Kiani.

    The second and third days of the event will feature workshops and talks on various aspects relating to music with power packed live performances during the evening. This Music Mela is now an annual feature in Islamabad and is fast becoming a platform to highlight the multi-ethnic culture of Pakistan through its music.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021