ISLAMABAD: They promised song and soul and expatriates in the Kingdom responded with equal gusto as they welcomed the most recognizable vocal talents from Pakistan at a sold out concert in Riyadh on Friday. Both Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan enjoy a massive fan following in Saudi Arabia and abroad, with the former sharing his excitement on Twitter a day earlier.
“Hello my friends, I’m happy to tell you that i will be performing in Saudi Arabia for the first time on Friday October 25 2019 in Riyadh at the international stage during the Riyadh Season.” Aslam had said.
Pakistani pop singer Atif Aslam performing live in Riyadh on Oct 25, 2019. (Supplied)
It followed a post last week by Saudi Royal Court Adviser, Turki Alalshikh, who also serves as Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
“For our Indian and Pakistani brothers and sisters in Riyadh, ‘Atif Aslam’ and ‘Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’ will be waiting for you on the 25th of October,” the tweet read.
Pakistani Signer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performing live in Riyadh on Oct 25, 2019. (Supplied)
Aslam was awarded a star on Dubai’s recently inaugurated Walk of Fame that replicates the iconic Hollywood landmark. The Pakistani rockstar most recently sang a haunting rendition of famed Pakistani Qawwali master Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s “Wohi Khuda Hai” on the popular music platform, Coke Studio.
Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performances are part of the Riyadh Season which kicked off last Friday.
People seen enjoying Pakistani music in Riyadh on Oct 25, 2019. (Supplied)
Riyadh Season, one of Saudi Arabia’s 11 festival seasons that occur throughout the year, and will run from October 11 to December 15.
