FACE Music Mela 2024: Celebrating the Power of Music and Cultural Harmony

ISLAMABAD: 01 March 2024 – The Foundation for Arts Culture and Education (FACE), Islamabad celebrated the power of music and cultural harmony with folk art performances from diversified cultures of Pakistan as well as with the fusion of American and Eastern melodies at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad.

Large number of youth and art lovers attended the event though it was evening with raining outside. The organization foreseeing the weather had already arranged a canopy in the lawn of the PNCA that saved the guests as well as the event itself.

Food stalls of different brands were also set up for refreshment with coffee , tea , snacks while enjoying the music from the stage and dance of the enthralled audience on the ground.

This year’s edition promised to be nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a dynamic lineup of musical acts representing a kaleidoscope of genres from both Pakistan and around the globe.

Besides many other acts, highlight of the festival were the collaboration between an American band – B.E.L (Bryce Lamar, Evan Hatfield, and Lis Viegas) – and ten talented Pakistani musicians, as part of the music residency program supported by the U.S Embassy, known as ArtEngage.

From Pakistan , Ali Adil, Islamuddin Habib, Kashif Ali Dani, Shaukat Ali, Sattar Jogi, Nimra Rafique, Ritika Dhanja, Sidra Kanwal, Rimsha Qureshi, and Horeya Asmat from Pakistan, alongside the renowned Sain Tanveer, dhol player from Punjab, Imran Aziz, and Uzair Jaswal amused the audience with their mesmerizing popular performances.

The festival’s main stage witnessed a fusion of cultures and musical influences, with performances by Rimsha Qureshi, Nimra Rafiq, B.E.L, and the Global Harmony Ensemble, comprising artists from both the United States and Pakistan.

At PNCA, it was the first day that was formally commenced by the Deputy Chief of Missions U.S Embassy Islamabad Andrew Schofer. He commended Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education’s efforts for providing opportunities like FACE Music Mela to the local and traditional artists to showcase their musical talents.

Mr. Schofer exclusively thanked the founder and CEO of FACE Mr. Zeejah Fazli for organizing the stage for a remarkable fusion performance by both the American and Pakistani artists.

Director General PNCA Mr. Ayoub Jamali was also present at the occasion to look after the arrangements from PNCA side.

As a beacon of Pakistan’s rich musical heritage and creative prowess, the FACE Music Mela 2024 invited attendees to immerse themselves in the enchanting sounds and rhythms that have defined the nation’s cultural identity for generations.

Dedicated to uniting communities through the transcendent language of arts and cultural exchange, FACE has been at the forefront of fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Pakistan.

The FACE Music Mela stands as a testament to this mission, having evolved into a hallmark event on the nation’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2014.

With each passing year, the festival has witnessed remarkable growth, drawing in music enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. From attracting 20,000 attendees in 2019 to a turnout of over 25,000 in 2022, the FACE Music Mela continues to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of musical diversity and talent.