Waqar Naseem Wamiq

RIYADH — Legendary classical Pakistani singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan and the iconic singer Nayab Ali Khan of Raga Boyz enthralled thousands of Pakistanis. Who had made a beeline to the King Fahd Cultural Center (KFCC) to witness the Pakistani Cultural Show & Food Festival here.

The concert was arranged by the Pakistan Embassy in connection with the 70th independence anniversary of the nation. Pakistani Ambassador Khan Hasham Bin Saddique attended the event. Many diplomats of various countries and Saudi dignitaries including Prince Matab Bin Thenayan were also present.

The proceedings started with the rendition of the national anthem of Pakistan presented by the students of PISES followed with the welcome note by the Community Welfare Attaché Mahmood Latif.

“We welcome you all to the gracious hall of KFCC to celebrate Pakistan’s 70th anniversary of independence. Pakistan has produced many legendary singers including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madam Noor Jahan, Mehdi Hassan and many others of international recognition. Tonight we have among us the legendary classical singers of famous Patiala family, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan and his son Nayab Ali Khan. Along with a unique voice and a God-gifted talent of singing they are the exponent of Ghazal and classical singing, we hope music lovers will rejoice their performance,” he said.

Ambassador Saddique said, “It is a matter of great pleasure that we are celebrating 70th anniversary of our independence and I am so glad to have you all here. Pakistan has a rich cultural diversity and today we are showcasing our traditional foods and classical music, and we will continue to highlight our diversities,” he said.

The concert kicked off with a bang by the famous local band of Riyadh “Black the band” (BTB) lead vocalists Yasir wahid and Salman Roomi with their band members Sheraz Khan, Mohammad Emad and Kashif Asif rocking the audience with their electrifying performance.

The crowd then regaled in the spectacular singing performance by the young classical singer Nayab Ali Khan. He wowed his audience with his sweett tone and unique style. Nayab touched the soul of the raag with “Pyar Nahi hai Surr se Jisko” and then went on with “Sawan beeto jaye”.

Ustad Hamid Ali Khan received a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage and he then mesmerized all with his opening recital of his famous thumri, “Laagi re Touse Laagi”. He then pulsed the overseas Pakistanis with the famous national song and Patiala’s composition, “Aay Watan Pyaray Watan Pak Watan”. He kept on fusing many different elements during his performance and rendered some wonderful raags and thumris.

In homage to legendary Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, he sung, “Honton pe Kabbhi Unke” and “Insha Ji Uttho” and had the audience in raptures.“Udass Logo’n se Pyar Kerna”, a lyrical masterpiece of ghazal by famous poetess Neelma Durrani sounded as lovely when essayed from Ustad Hamid Ali’s emotive voice.

He went on to entertain his musically intoxicated listeners with his famous Punjabi geet, “Maino Teray Jeyha Sohna”. Kudos to Khan for bringing the glory of the classical singing and enabling his audience to enjoy his repertoire.

The musicians Ustad Waris Ali Khan on tabla, Khurram on dholki, Naveed on keyboard, Imran on drums and Avais on guitar were well appreciated by the audience.

Black Cinema Productions (BCP) worked as the media partners and played a vital role for the success of the show. The elegant stage was digitally equipped with a large backdrop screen. The sound and lighting systems were of international standards.

The Food Festival showcased some top Pakistani restaurants of Riyadh including Pak House, Marhaba, Lasani, Red Onion and some famous confectioners Baba Sweets along with many other stalls offering desi cuisines, garments and jewelry.

Al-Marai representatives offered free products to the visitors of the show. The families enjoyed the fare till late night in the food festival, which many termed as a significant contribution toward the promotion of the tradition.