Meet the superstars who are performing at Blockbuster—a massive free celebration of Punjabi art, food and Pakistani music taking over Fed Square.
On Saturday 7 June, 3pm until 9pm, head to Fed Square for Blockbuster—a free, all-ages Baithak-inspired party. There'll be mouthwatering street food, kaleidoscopic truck art by Pakistani painter Haider Ali, craft and drumming workshops and, as day turns to night, a whole host of Punjabi superstars who've never performed in Australia will take to the stage. Here's a closer look at the music line up and a playlist to get you ready.
Faris Shafi
A pioneer of Urdu rap who's known for his personal/politcal style, Faris Shafi lends his skills to 'Blockbuster'—the collaborative hit that helped inspire this whole event. With over 61 million YouTube views and counting, it's an undeniable banger that celebrates how shared culture can transcend geographical borders.
Annural Khalid
Islamabad artist Annural Khalid will bring her infectious fusion of desi R&B and pop. Khalid rose to fame by singing cover songs and posting them to her Instagram page. Now she's making hits and and collaborating with some of India and Pakistan's biggest stars.
Zain Zohaib
Two brothers carrying the family tradition of epic Qawwali music—a form of totally mesmerising Sufi devotional singing. They're grandsons of Ustad Haji Rehmat Ali Khan, who performed 2nd Harmonium for over 40 years with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan—the man known for putting Qawwali music on the international map.
Xulfi
Zulfikar Jabbar Khan aka Xulfi is the producer and composer who gave 'Blockbuster' its hit-making bounce. He's also worked with massive Pakistani bands, Entity Paradigm and Call too. And he's bringing his uplifting music style to the Blockbuster stage.
Sherry Khattak
Sherry Khattak is the lead singer and guitarist from Lahore alt rockers Karakoram—a band with hits that soar like those jagged snow-capped mountains.
