From Umair Jaswal’s Contagious Energy to Divine Fusion Music, Here’s A Recap Of EVERYTHING That Went Down At FACE Music Mela 2019

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For the last six years, on the heels of Spring, Islamabad opens its doors to welcome the musically endowed from across Pakistan and the world.

Be it local acts creating a trance with their sufi chants or international artists bringing the house down with EDM, Islamabadis can always rely on the Foundation of Arts, Culture & Education (FACE) to make April – as millennial would say – lit with their annual offering, Music Mela.

The brainchild of veteran guitarist, Zeeja Fazli, FACE Music Mela has been a regular on the capital’s social calendar for six straight years now!

This might not seem like a huge deal to those unfamiliar with Pakistan’s context but to keep a music centric event alive – and that too for a non-profit – is a huge, huge feat in Pakistan.

Of course, things seem to be changing for the better in recent years with Pakistan’s entertainment industry experiencing a revival of sorts, but it wasn’t easy sailing in 2014 when FACE organized the first festival.

And every year since, the musical extravaganza has gone from strength to strength.

This year, the impressive line-up of artists included 23 national and international acts, including such names as Umair Jaswal, Dhool, Natasha Ejaz, DJ Praktical Lady, Fake Shamans and DJ Maverick.

If for whatever reason you couldn’t experience the euphoria that was FACE Music Mela 2019, allow us to take you a little back in time to relive the most exhilarating moments from Islamabad’s favourite musical outing.

Umair Jaswal’s Energy was Contagious!

If there’s one thing we can rely on when it comes to Umair Jaswal, it is most definitely a high dose of energy! The Sammi Meri Waar singer did not disappoint us one bit at this year’s Music Mela.

So charged was his performance that at one point the entire crowd found itself singing just as zealously as Jaswal himself!

Here’s a fan video capturing an electrifying moment from Jaswal’s performance!

West Met East & the Outcome Was Musical Brilliance!

Fusion music was all a rage during the two-day spectacle.

Our personal favourite was Polish DJ Practical Lady’s act with Boreendo player, Zulfiqar Faqeer. The energy that this diversity of sound created was simply divine!

If live concerts came with replay options, we would’ve spent the remainder of the Music Mela listening to DJ Practical Lady and Zulfiqar Faqeer on repeat!

Underground No More – Pakistan’s Emerging Talent Took Center Stage!

For quite a while there nothing much except the underground scene was happening for local bands.

However, in the last few years, we’ve seen some magnificent new bands break out into the mainstream, collecting in the process, their very own base of loyal fans!

From Dhool and Sakin to Roots emerging talent definitely stole the lime light at this year’s festival.

The exposure that they’ve all received from stints on reality shows and (thankfully) an ever-increasing number of gigs are both helping them climb that enticing ladder to stardom and we’re rooting the loudest for these youngsters!

Kashmir was There & Aray Wah!

Although still flying high from their success on Pepsi Battle of the Bands two years ago, Kashmir has come a long way from its underground days.

All the band members, especially Bilal depicted a level of confidence that mirrored veterans.

It was great to see these guys performing to Kaghaz ka Jahaz with musical oomph that is a rare sight so early on in a band’s journey.

There was a Gamer’s Hub with a Life & Energy of its Own!

PTCL Gamer's Hub Face Music Mela 2019

While one segment of the crowd danced and sang, there was another group that spent their time at the festival having video game contests!

From Dota 2 to Counter Strike, the Gamers’ Hub was loaded with everybody’s favourite games.

That was a round-up of our favourite moments from FACE Music Mela 2019! Share yours with us in the comments below!