Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Saturday night was a much talked about affair in not just the capital but all over Pakistan, as news had already circulated about Grammy award winning record producer and DJ coming to Pakistan for a one of its kind concert.

The event, which had its PR and media handled by Catwalk, began in the afternoon at 2pm and continued until 12pm.

It wasn’t just Diplo who performed but a total of 10 artists lit up the stage, adding variety and life for all music enthusiasts who got together on the premises of Lake View Park, Islamabad.

The variety of musicians was what set the concert apart. I liked the fact that with the choice of the lineup, there was a something-for-everyone approach adopted by the organisers. Underground bands, rappers, DJs, and desi singers — all were on board and given a chance to enthral their fan following

Where Lahoris were being treated to the likes of renowned musicians such as Abrarul Haq etc, Islamabad joined in full force treating its citizens to the loud blaring music of artists like Doors, Mickey Murshid, Zoh, Haider Mustehsan, Osama Com Laude, Valentino Khan, Lyari Underground, Chrome Sparks and last but not the least, Major Lazer Sound System. The event featured plethora of food stalls as well. However, I did notice some hits and misses.

STRENGTHS – the variety of musicians performing is what set the concert apart. I like the fact that with the choice of the lineup, there was a something for everyone approach adopted by the organisers. Underground bands, rappers, DJs and desi singers – all were on board and given a chance to enthral their fan following.

The event was at par with international standards. It was basically like a party in the park where youngsters and music enthusiasts let their hair down and truly have fun.

The ticket price varied and for all those willing to splurge a little bit more, could book VIP lounges.

It wasn’t just Diplo who performed but a total of 10 artists lit up the stage, adding variety and life for all music enthusiasts who got together on the premises of Lake View Park, Islamabad

The sound system was pretty impressive. There were no glitches, technical interruptions or lights out.

The fact that a renowned artist like Diplo had come to perform in Islamabad may now pave way for more international artists to come forward and visit the country to perform.

WEAKNESSES – I’m not sure if this works in favour or against the MDBP, but around 9pm, the premises got extremely jam packed and it got hard to move even a muscle without bumping into somebody.

Published in Daily Times, February 5^th 2018.