SXSW 2016: Artists from Pakistan shine

After making a mark at last year’s edition of South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, a contingent of music artists, hailing from Pakistan, are back at the festival this year as they perform to a curious audience.

By Maheen Sabeeh | March 22, 2016 | First published in The News

From left to right (Brothers in arms): Talal Qureshi and Adil Omar

After making a mark at last year’s edition of South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, a contingent of music artists, hailing from Pakistan, are back at the festival this year as they perform to a curious audience.
A project of FACE Foundation for Arts Culture and Education, the ‘Pakistan’ showcase, supported by U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, aims to highlight the diversity of Pakistani culture and provides a wonderful look into the ever-expanding music scene.
This year’s playing bill, like last year, is a combination of artists from multiple genres.
Mai Nimani, Imran Aziz Mian Qawwal, Wahid Allan Faqir, Overload and Forever South co-founder Dynoman (Haamid Rahim) make up this year’s contingent and represent the many sounds and stories that make up Pakistan’s burgeoning music scene.

Often dubbed as “Pakistan’s loudest band’, Overload, spearheaded by Farhad Humayun, made its presence felt at this year’s edition of SXSW festival which also saw participation from Mai Nimani, Imran Aziz Mian Qawwal and Wahid Allan Faqir.

And like last year, the reviews that are coming in are positive and satisfying.
Writing for Austin360.com, Nancy Flores wrote about Wahid Allan Faqir’s performance in glowing terms. She wrote: “When energetic folk singer Wahid Allan Faqir took the stage, he animated the crowd with his festive spirit and colorful traditional outfit. The showcase brought together many ex-pats who sat on the carpeted floor in front of the stage while others danced and encouraged Faqir to step off stage and dance among the festgoers.”

Music producer Dynoman (Haamid Rahim), the co-founder of the indie collective, Forever South, in practice mode, ahead of his show at the The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas.

On a separate note, two of Pakistan’s most exciting musicians, Adil Omar and Talal Qureshi also performed at SXSW 2016 although on a different stage. The duo also performed last year after which they got a call back to return again this year.