Following three successful Levi’s Live sessions in September, November and December last year, the fourth session took live music to new heights when Ammar Farooki performed his original tracks with Diane Desobeau on the piano and harmonium, Sarmad Ghafoor on bass and Farhad Humayun on drums as the opening act.
Uzair Jaswal mesmerised audiences with his soulful vocals.
The platform aims to empower the next generation of musicians and artists by reviving the live music scene in Pakistan. Levi’s Live has partnered with Riot Studios, which is the premier space for recording music, films and post production in Lahore, where some of the country’s top musicians, music videos and films have been produced over the last decade.
Farooki, who made his singing debut on this platform, is a singer, songwriter, and musician from Lahore. He has been working on his first album for the past five years. He draws inspiration from his travels and writes about his voyages, the people he encounters, places and moments that make life worth living. The characters and content of his songs are a little biographical, a little fictional but also inspired by wider events and ancient myths. Farooki is a Fulbright Scholar and a marketing professional.
After his performance, he said, “Playing my original songs for a crowd for the first time on this stage was truly an unforgettable experience. There is something industrial coursing through the walls of the Riot Studios and when you put a little energy in, it comes back amplified from the crowd. The crowd response and engagement was absolutely great. I really enjoyed mingling with the audience afterwards and getting a feel for what they liked or enjoyed about the show. It’s the perfect platform where you’re not just surrounded by the most supportive and loving people, but also the most talented musicians in the country. So while it’s the most comfortable and enjoyable space, it also pushes you to give your very best just to keep up.”
Diane Desobeau is a French journalist who went to Pakistan to work as a video reporter. She started learning the piano as a child and was classically trained, but had to leave it behind when she moved to Paris for her studies. Unexpectedly, it is Pakistan that reunited Desobeau with her favourite instrument — and reignited her urge to make music.
“Playing on this platform was a beautiful experience. I feel really lucky to have been able to perform in such a great venue, in the presence of music lovers and friends. The crowd’s energy was uplifting — as was the company on stage! I am really grateful for having the opportunity to participate in this adventure. It was all great fun — especially the impromptu jam session with a whole range of talented musicians after the show. Pakistan needs more of this,” Diane said.
Uzair Jaswal is a renowned singer/songwriter from Islamabad. Touring the country at a young age and performing in all the major cities of Pakistan he has developed an extremely loyal fan base. He has won multiple awards over the years for his songs and videos. Having a large following on all the social media platforms he has become a youth icon for his fans.
After performing to a full house at Riot Studios, he said, “It was an exhilarating experience. Loved Ammar and Diane’s performance and enjoyed every second of being on stage myself!”
During the fourth session of Levi’s Live, Farhad Humayun of Riot Studios expressed his excitement and pride over the budding music scene, “This has by far been the most enjoyable night. It was multi cultural with artists from Pakistan, Canada and France collaborating and forming a union. The audience rocked with us on every song. Ammar’s songs are world-class and I’m so happy that Uzair’s live set is so much fun. He forms the perfect party band. With every gig we are growing better stronger and confirming that we are here to stay and will stop at nothing to promote music and youth culture in Pakistan.”
The past live sessions have featured performances by Abdullah Qureshi, Maria Unera, Farhad Humayun, Bayaan, Noorzadeh Raja, Rakae Jamil, Bilal Khan and Noori.
