ISLAMABAD: The third annual Music Mela opened on Thursday at the Pakistan National Council of Arts, with some 400 people showing up to hear acclaimed musicians from across Pakistan.

Organised by the Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education (Face), this year’s Music Mela was also held outdoors.

However, it was not as crowded as last year’s, and began an hour later than scheduled. Guests at the event also complained about the number of mosquitoes, and strong winds and rain saw older guests and families with children leave the venue.

Famous Pashto vocalist Zarsanga, known as the Queen of Pakhtun Folklore, performed her forte, which are songs written by “the common people”. A member of the Kutanree nomadic tribe whose main profession is singing, she performed three of the tapay and gharhi songs that have made her famous. Arieb Azhar presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Face.

Taj Buledi Baloch, one of the leading disciples of the great Balochi folk singer Mureed Buledi Baloch, followed with his talented ensemble playing the dambora, sarod, banjo and dholak.

Moving towards Punjab, Wahdat Rameez, one of the most promising young singers in Pakistan currently, sang ghazal and kafi. His voice reflected the tranquillity inherrent in the Sufi tradition as he sang the kalam of Ghulam Fareed and Amir Khusro.

The Matra Percussion Band, a fusion band of percussion maestros comprising of tabla veterans Ustad Mohammed Ajmal Khan and Ustad Ejaz Hussain, Sherry Bakshi, Zeeshan on dholak and Faizan on drums, mesmerised the crowd with their innovative beats.

Saba Ilyas said: “So far I have enjoyed the instrumental music - Matra was the best. I plan to attend all three days of the festival.”

As the crowd swayed to the beat, it seemed they agreed.

Sufi Meeran is an upcoming folk artist from Sindh whose euphonious voice was accompanied by Mevo Saeen on the harmonium, Farida Bibi on back vocals, Mor Khan on dholak and Karam on majira. In their largest performance so far, the band had a powerful presence despite the beginning of strong winds and rain.

Renowned folk singer Qurban Niazi reaffirmed his role as an icon of Punjabi music with the much loved Ishq Nachaya.

Syed Eisar Haider said: “It was a breath of fresh air to attend such a refreshingly diverse musical event in the capital. The rain just added to the magical feeling. I’m definitely coming next year as well.”

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2016