RIYADH — On Friday night, Atif Aslam made history as the first Pakistani artist to perform in the Kingdom at Riyadh Season.

Thousands of Indian and Pakistani expats gathered to show love to Aslam who offered Riyadh a soul-searching, genre-blurring set.

He instantly brought the house down with his biggest hits leading his legion of screaming fans to ‘Tajdare-Haram’ which held the audience spellbound. “I don’t understand Urdu but I observed the mood shift in the air and was drawn to his voice during the mesmerizing praise of Allah and His Messenger,” Abdullah, a young Saudi volunteer at the event told Saudi Gazette.

“I want to thank the Saudi government for inviting me. I’ve always been a messenger of peace and love with my music and I welcome all communities. Thank you so much for loving my music,” Aslam said in a video he posted on his Instagram page.

The Bollywood legend performed a non-stop hit-set with renditions of Bollywood classics, giving the crowd exactly what they came for. “People were on their feet, just having a great time. It seemed so familiar to him and us as well. He felt just at home and we hope to see him soon again,” Hania Ahmed, an Indian national told Saudi Gazette.

He was joined by Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, a renowned Pakistani singer, primarily of Qawwali and ghazals, who performed with a live orchestra.

Last week, Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Royal Court Adviser, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom tweeted about the first-of-it’s-kind event for Indian and Pakistani nationals living in the country for Riyadh Season which sparked off the celebration on social media.

“I couldn’t believe it. Until now. I am so grateful to the Saudi government for doing this for us and fulfilling our dreams,” Sahar Azaad, a Pakistani national told Saudi Gazette.

“This event proves how music has no boundaries. Thousands of expats are united here tonight by Riyadh season and he won our hearts collectively. I’ve come to see him with my Indian friends who also grew up with his music, which feels surreal and is just a dream come true,” Riaz Khan, a Pakistani national living in Riyadh said.

Riyadh Season 2019 will be hosting over 100 events and activities until December 15. — SG