It looks like Karachi is finally seeing a surge in appealing concerts as artists as eclectic as Jimmy Khan, Sikandar Ka Mandar and ESharp are scheduled to take the stage this weekend.
MusicMix
It looks like Karachi is finally seeing a surge in appealing concerts as artists as eclectic as Jimmy Khan, Sikandar Ka Mandar and ESharp are scheduled to take the stage this weekend.
Our story begins with singer-songwriter Jimmy Khan, who is based in Lahore and is currently in Karachi playing a series of live shows. Having released the electrifying and poignant single, ‘Madam’, Khan is evolving beautifully as an artist, both in the studio and in a live setup. Fortunately, fans in Karachi can finally see this evolution in person. His second tour of the city by the sea, presented once again by the good folks at Salt Arts, consists of three shows in total. The first gig took place on September 6 at Cotie Rotie while a second show is scheduled to take place today (Sept 9) at the (gardens) of Alliance Francaise in Karachi. A third show is coming up next week (September 14) but it is already sold out so your best bet is to head to the gig that’s happening today.
The second show worth mentioning in this space is a double bill, and features not one but two terrific bands that represent the best of what indie music has to offer. Titled ‘Eid Milan Party’, it feature musical acts, Sikandar Ka Mandar and ESharp and is scheduled to take place later today at the Base Rock Café in Karachi.
Sikandar Ka Mandar comprises Nadir Shahzad Khan, Mohammad Ali Suhail, Zahra Paracha, Raheel Paul and Nasir Siddiqui. Having put out a thrilling self-titled debut album and a couple of memorable music videos, the band with its expanded line-up and complex, layered sound, is gearing up to release its second album later this year. They will be playing original tunes, which feels like such a novelty in a time when cover songs remain a norm.
ESharp, meanwhile features Ahmed Zawar, Anwaar Ahmed, Qumber Kazmi and Zia Zaidi and like, SKM, they too have put out several memorable music videos and made a strong impression on music listeners with their debut album, Bahadur Yar Jang. With their second studio album, 600 Saal, the group managed to knock it out of the park. A concept album, it contained a number of good songs including ‘Superman’, ‘600 Saal’ , and ‘Chalti Phirti Sazish’ to name just three.
Though neither band made it to Pepsi Battle of the Bands’ ongoing season past the audition stage, this gig is a strong indicator that these artists will go on and continue to make music that has lasting value.
Speaking to Instep about how the upcoming gig came together, ESharp front-man Ahmed Zawar shared: “It started off as a conversation between me and Nadir (Sikandar Ka Mandar front-man) on Twitter. Both bands have known about each other’s presence since a long time but with time we’ve realized that we’re perhaps the two most consistent indie bands in Pakistan. So it feels good to team up for a show and make it a double treat for music enthusiasts in Karachi.”
He added: “Amongst other common things between the bands, one is of course the recent rejection at Pepsi Battle of the Bands auditions. That’ll make this team up a bit special.”
–Maheen Sabeeh
