Music
SoundClash Pakistan: One for the History Books!
The clash of genres leaves Pakistani audience shell-shocked and begging for more as Strings and Ali Azmat leave their mark on history.
If there was ever any doubt regarding the differences of genres between rock and pop - it was effectively answered on Saturday night as two of the biggest icons of Pakistani music locked horns at Red Bull Music Soundclash 2018.
It was Ali Azmat vs Strings, the rebellious rock genre vs the meticulous pop genre. And boy was the Karachi audience in for a fun ride!
With the show divided into two stages, one for the “Rock” half and the other for the “Pop” half, it was a clash between the two acts to see who literally pulls the audience towards them with their performances.
The show unfolded in four rounds after each side was done warming up the stage with three back-to-back songs. With challenges spanning from on-stage improvisation through a switch in genres, to an absolute curveball where each performer had to “takeover” a song from their counterpart, it’s fair to say that both the icons of the Pakistani music industry were tested to their limits.
The above clip is the perfect example of how much the audience enjoyed the show. The mood went mellow during a truly inspiring stripped-down rendition of “Bichra Yaar” by Strings, but the crowd was not ready to let go just yet as they left Bilal Maqsood no choice but to repeat the song over after their “once more” chants would not stop at the end.
Here are a few pictures that highlight all that went down in a clash of the ages!
Strings performing an improv Dandiya version of their hit “Anjanay”.
Bilal Maqsood at SoundClash Pakistan 2018
© Farras Oran
The rebellious Ali Azmat rocking the stage alongside his band.
Ali Azmat at SoundClash Pakistan 2018
© Farras Oran
The “pop” half of the concert during a mesmerizing performance by Strings.
Audience enjoying the performance of Strings
© Farras Oran
The “rock” half of the show as Ali prepares to blow the audience away.
Audience enjoying Ali Azmat’s performance
© Farras Oran
Faisal Kapadia grips the audience with his magnetic on-stage presence.
Faisal Kapadia at SoundClash Pakistan 2018
© Farras Oran
Strings uplift the mood with their punk rock rendition of “Sajni”.
Strings at SoundClash Pakistan 2018
© Farras Oran
The duo of Faisal and Bilal soaking in all the love from the Karachi crowd.
Faisal Kapadia & Bilal Maqsood
© Team Reactivate
Call takes center stage as the “wildcard entry” for Ali Azmat.
Junaid Khan – Call, The Band
© Team Reactivate
Ahmed Jahanzeb’s classical prowess takes the show to a whole new level.
Ahmed Jahanzeb
© Farras Oran