Diplomats perform Pakistani pop classics

KARACHI: Islamabad’s diplomatic community recently put a musical spin on cultural exchange, as EU diplomats and members of IslamaBand -- a group of diplomat-musicians based in the capital -- performed instrumental renditions of iconic Pakistani pop songs. 

A video shared by Riinka Kionka, the European Union’s ambassador to Pakistan on X (Twitter), and the EU Delegation to Pakistan on Instagram, showcased the ensemble playing musical renditions of pop classics like ‘Billo De Ghar’ by Abrar-ul-Haq, ‘Akhian’ by Fuzon, and ‘Joona’ by Hasan Raheem.

The musicians included Riinka Kionka on trumpet, Zoe Ware on bass clarinet, Zakaria Haffar on oud, Lukas van Arragon on violin, Guillermo Montt on trumpet, Maria Wyard on flute, Jen Lonn on bassoon, and Beatrice Wyles on clarinet.

Kionka had worded her post as: “Celebrating Pakistani pop music with a twist! The European Union and friends from #IslamaBand present a rendition of iconic hits...”The colourfully filmed video showed a smiling musical ensemble playing the songs on the rooftop of a house, starting with Billo and ending with Joona.