About

Zikre Watan is a remarkable ensemble of musicians and artists with a shared commitment, blending their unique talents into a powerful expression of our nation’s resilience. it’s a labor of love, a tribute to Pakistan’s indomitable spirit. What will you experience? A poetic debate between Mayoosi and Umeed, speaking directly to the heart of our times, powered by the works of iconic poets Ahmad Faraz, Allama Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Stirring songs, and soulful qawwali, creating an intimate tapestry of words and melody. Who should attend? It will resonate with every Pakistani who has wrestled with mayoosi to keep umeed alive. Apnay Rubaru Hi Sahi embraces the idea that if no one is listening, we can sing to ourselves. Who is performing? Abu Muhammad & Fareed Ayaz As the guardians of Pakistan’s traditional qawwali, their mastery of Sufi music serves as the soul of the show, inviting audiences into a transformative experience created for Zikre Watan. Their qawwali acts punctuate the night with powerful crescendos, infusing each moment with spiritual intensity and a collective sense of belonging. Arshad Mahmud A luminary in Pakistan’s performing arts circles, Arshad’s voice weaves verses that are both reflective and inspiring. Bringing words to life, Arshad sets the stage with his stirring recitation. Each recitation serves as a bridge between musical pieces, creating a reflective pause that anchors the audience in themes of perseverance and optimism. Louis Pinto Gumby is the heartbeat of the show. As both, producer of the show and a drummer, he maintains a steady rhythm that underpins each act, guiding the energy and flow of the evening. His intuitive drumming accentuates the emotional dynamics, grounding the show’s intensity with rhythms that resonate with the dual themes of struggle and hope. Danish Khawaja Danish has crafted musical arrangements that are at once innovative and rooted in tradition. As the co-producer, arranger, and multi- instrumentalist he shapes the evening’s soundscapes, weaving the ensemble’s talents into a cohesive narrative. Joshua Keyth Bringing a contemporary sensibility to traditional sounds, Joshua Keyth’s keyboard work fills the space with nuanced textures that elevate the performance. As a co-producer and arranger, his arrangements serve as the connective tissue between acts, seamlessly integrating vocals, poetry, and qawwali. Waleed Attique Waleed Attique’s bass lines create a steady foundation, adding depth and rhythm that enriches the overall experience. His presence ensures that each shift in tone feels intentional, reinforcing the performance’s core narrative of strength and unity. Mehdi Maloof – Vocals Mehdi’s voice adds a contemporary resonance to the performance, embodying the vulnerability and raw emotion of every Pakistani's journey. His delivery brings a fresh, modern dimension to the show, capturing the spirit of younger generations navigating their own struggles with hope. Farheen Raza – Vocals Farheen’s presence brings a delicate strength to the ensemble, her vocal lines are woven into the musical tapestry, offering moments of lightness and grace that enrich the show’s emotional landscape, embodying the essence of resilience with each note. Nade Ali Zaidi – Vocals Nade’s resonant tone adds depth and solemnity to the night. His vocals echo the resilience embedded in the show’s theme, amplifying moments of unity and perseverance. His performance provides a grounding energy that harmonizes with the ensemble, underscoring the sense of shared struggle and collective optimism.