Saudi Gazette

Recently a poor attempt at controversy did the rounds in Pakistan relating to a stellar performance by Atif Aslam in New York where the sponsors cried wolf on national television.

This gave birth to ludicrous criticisms and while a few disapproved of his set list because it didn’t involve national songs, the weather failed to comply with some standards and apparently Bollywood music was also objectionable. His fandom ‘Aadeez’ was quick to defend him on social media and was later joined by musicians from Pakistan speaking out against the sponsors who ‘should have told him they want national songs’ from the get-go. Reflecting on the chaos, Aslam posted a picture on Instagram with a caption stating that bestowing respect is only up to Allah. Reinstating his love for Pakistan, he went on to applaud his fandom for condemning the fake propaganda. “I hope naye Pakistan main un sab logon ko izat dena jaan jayen gae jino ne Pakistan ka naam poori duniya mein roshan kia hai #change.”

Suffice it to say that even if the reaction wasn’t necessary, maybe the reminder was.

Atif Aslam is arguably the most patriotic Pakistani ever. He has paid homage to, advocated and represented the country throughout his career. By sharing the multicultural aspect to his music, as he’s grown, he has put Pakistan on the map and united different cultures from across the world. This is one of the primary reasons he became the youngest person to be awarded ‘Tamgha-i-Imtiaz’ by the government, which is the highest degree of service to the state, and for services to international diplomacy.

He’s been at the center of redefining Pakistan’s sound and is the reason they have been making waves on a world stage for a decade, lest they forget. They are lucky to have him.

Netflix announced that its first Arabic Original Series began its principal photography in Amman, Jordan. Maximizing on the beauty of the local setting, mixing themes of Supernatural and Teen Soap, Jinn will bring Middle East folklore into the modern world, exploring contemporary themes of Jinn mythology but with a coming of age supernatural story about friendship, love and adventure.

The six-episode series is expected to launch to Netflix members all around the world in 2019.

Jinn follows a group of Arab teenagers as their friendships and budding romances are tested when they unknowingly invite the supernatural forces of Jinn into their world.

“At Netflix, we’re always looking for local stories with an interesting and relatable perspective to bring to screens all over the world.

“With Jinn, we aim to create a fantastical show about young people in the Middle East in Arabic that's real, authentic and action-packed. This Netflix show will be full of intrigue, adventure and amazing storytelling from Jordan and for our audiences around the world,” Erik Barmack, Vice President of International Original Series said.

To celebrate ‘Eid in Dubai’, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment an agency of Dubai Tourism, has announced its line-up of events. Balqees will perform at Dragon Mart 2 and Sunidhi Chauhan will perform at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Friday 24th August.

The world's largest festival and business conference for electronic music- Amsterdam Dance Event takes place from the 17th to 21st of October, 2018. During ADE, Amsterdam becomes the centre of the global electronic music scene for five days and thus is a breeding ground for cultural and technological innovation. For the complete program and more information about ADE, visit: www.a-d-e.nl