MUZAFFARABAD: The weather in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) capital was very cold the last weekend of Dec 2018.

But the atmosphere in a local five-star hotel, where a qawali concert was being held, was electric.

The near zero temperature did not deter the fun-starved people of Muzaffarabad from making it to the hotel,

perched on a hilltop and offering a panoramic view of the capital city.

The attraction was an event in tribute to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The lead singer was his disciple, Shahzad Santoo, who along with his troupe did sublime justice to Pakistan’s legendary singer and musician with one after the other remarkable renditions.

The performance received an enthusiastic response from the audience, with many singing along with Mr Santoo and others waving their hands.

The evening began with Allah Hoo Allah Hoo and Tu Kuja Man Kuja.

Other famous qawalis followed including Tumhain Dil Lagi Bhool Jani Paregi, Mere Rashk-i-Qamar, Kaali Kaali Zulfon k Doray Na Daalo to name a few.

When the event drew to a close some three and a half hours later, the audience was still requesting the singer for more songs.

The organisers announced they will hold more such events in the future.

“We want people from the plains know that the mountainous city of Muzaffarabad is not a dull station as many may presume. It has so much to offer other than its natural beauty,” said the hotel’s manager, Salman Saeed.

He said cultural and musical events will help promote a soft image of the area and will also improve its economy by encouraging more tourism.

Last year, he said, Google had paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with a doodle dedicated to him on its homepage, calling the singer the voice that helped bring ‘world music’ to the world.

A member of the audience, Anum Haneef, said this was her first time attending live concert.

“I love watching Nusrat’s songs on YouTube and other media. He introduced the genre of qawali to the world and hearing renditions of his famous songs today was amazing,” he said.

Irtaza Shawal, a young business student, said he was happy to have come to the concert.

“Our city lacks in such cultural and musical events, where families can come to forget their worries for some time,” he said.

AJK Minister for Information Technology Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi said he was mesmerised by the performance.

“The qawalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan are a feast for the eyes. Our government will encourage such events which provide healthy entertainment to the people,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2018