ISLAMABAD: Zoe Viccaji and Ali Zafar’s performance at the Rock Musicarium triumphed over what looked to be stormy weather on Friday night, much to the delight of concertgoers.

The show opened with Ms Viccaji singing Ishq Kinara to fans separated from the stage by bouncers and steel fencing as music videos by the brand Cornetto played behind her.

The concerts are a series of events held in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The concert began two hours late because of the drizzle, strong winds and lightening, and the venue filled up within minutes of the gate opening.

Ms Viccaji enthralled the audience with her performance, and spoke about the story behind her music and music videos.

She said she particularly enjoyed filming one of her videos up north, where she was humbled by the tall mountains and rivers, followed by a performance of her single Ho Jao Azaad.

The venue, which was dotted with food stalls selling pizza, ice cream and drinks, took on the look of a small fair.

Concertgoer Mohammad Faisal said concerts at the Rock Musicarium are always a nice experience. “It is one of the best spaces for concerts. The sound is crisp, and we have some of our favourite artists singing before our eyes. The night is as magical as it gets.”

Uzama Abbas and Khola Sohail, meanwhile, were in the audience to watch Ali Zafar perform. “We’ve watched all his movies and heard all his songs,” Mr Sohail said. “He is our favourite.”

A drone camera hovered above the audience to capture the audience dancing and singing along to the stars. The crowd threw their hands in the air, and occasionally even tossed empty bottles of water into the air.

Mr Zafar’s followed Ms Viccaji onstage, and performed various hits including Rangeen, Chal Dil Meray, Jhoom and Channo.

One of the organisers, Hasan Rizvi, said Cornetto Pop Rock is a music platform for the youth, under which six music videos have been produced showcasing musicians such as Komal Rizvi, Ali Azmat, Zoe Viccaji and Meesha Shafi. This was the second Cornetto concert in Islamabad in six months.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2017