Shaan-e-Pakistan is all set to host SEPMA 2019 in Lahore

The two-day event (March 21-22) will celebrate music and aims to honour musical achievements.

By Buraq Shabbir
March 18, 2019

Shaan-e-Pakistan has bagged a regular spot on the social calendar as it has, for years, been paving way for strengthening ties between Pakistan and India through cultural exchange. Music, fashion and food have remained at the heart of these events that help bridge the gap between the two (otherwise distant) states, bringing together artists from both sides of the border.

This year, however, there is a change in the agenda. The event this year will no longer host Indian artists such as Rekha Bhardwaj, Vishal Bhardwaj and Harshdeep Kaur, who were originally sent an invitation and were supposed to be a part of the event.

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“The animosity after the Pulwama attacks and the de-escalation of the relationship between the two countries, Shaan-e-Pakistan took a stand against all the negative propaganda fueled by India and decided to drop the Indian talent,” states a recently released press statement.

Nonetheless Shaan-e-Pakistan, helmed my Huma Nasr, will take place with the same zeal and an even stronger lineup of musicians from Pakistan, as the upcoming edition is all about celebration of music.

Titled ‘Shaan-e-Pakistan Musical Achievements’ (SEPMA) 2019, the event is scheduled to take place in Lahore on March 21 and 22. It will open with a music summit at Shahi Qila, Lahore, that aims to honour Pakistan’s prolific culture, followed by a celebration of musical achievements at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club on the 22nd of this month.

“SEPMA 2019 aims to celebrate music and cultures of Pakistan by recognizing and giving achievements to Pakistani talent that is widely recognized in South Asia. This will be a game changer for all who have tried making their mark in music but lack the opportunity,” notes Huma Nasr, founder of Shaan-e-Pakistan.

The lineup of musicians who will take center stage during the two-day proceedings include Shafqat Amanat Ali, Javed Bashir, Sanam Marvi, Amanat Ali and others. In addition, artists such as Yousaf Bashir Qureshi (YBQ), director Saqib Malik, who is gearing up for his debut feature film Baaji that comes out later this year and Hajra Yameen will be speaking about the evolution of films while Seemi Raheel, Sadaan Peerzada of Rafi Peer Theatre, Amanat Ali and Shareef Awan will discuss the role of music in the performing arts. Analyst Faisal Qureshi, Rania A K Durrani of Salt Arts, Rabeel Warraich of Patari and singer-songwriter Ali Zafar will also be participating in the summit on the 21st.

Legendary classical ghazal singer Tina Sani, who has a huge fan following in the subcontinent, will share her views on the legacy of music.

Reflecting on the ongoing rift between Pakistan and India due to which Shaan-e-Pakistan has no Indian artists on board this time, she said, “Art and politics are two different spheres and should always be kept that way. It is, however, at this point, when emotions are running so high in both the countries, we feel it is better to not let our Indian artists feel pressured or tensed in any way. We have decided to celebrate Shaan-e-Pakistan purely with Pakistani musical prodigies this time.”

Similarly, Irfan Pardesi – Executive Producer, Shaan-e- Pakistan – shared that this initiative has nothing to do with politics and that should be kept away.

“Shaan-e-Pakistan is about promoting fashion, music, art and culture. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with promoting peace and love through art and culture,” he asserted.

We are just three days away from SEPMA 2019 that will not only bring together some great musicians who will be performing live onstage but will also acknowledge fresh talent though jury nominations in 11 genre-based categories.

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