RIYADH — Sufi singer Sanam Marvi regaled music lovers at a three-day concert at the Pakistan Embassy here last week. Saturday's concert was held exclusively for invited foreigners, including members of the diplomatic corps from some 50 foreign missions in the capital. Marvi, who hails from Hyderabad Sindh, learned music from her father, Faqeer Ghulam Rasool, a well-known folk vocalist. Touted as young Abida Parveen — Pakistan's famous devotional sufi singer — Marvi received her training in classical music from Ustad Fateh Ali Khan. Winner of prestigious awards, including UNESCO award, she began singing at the tender age of seven before she shot to international fame at 14. With mastery in four regional languages of Pakistan, Marvi enthralled her audience by singing a variety of songs of renowned singers in Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi and Pashto. As Marvi delivered back-to-back electrifying performances, a lot of people from the audience danced on her upbeat, energetic numbers. She lent her voice to musical renditions of Baba Bhulle Shah, Chal We Bhulleya, Tere Ishq Nachaya Karke Thaiyya Thaiyya; Ghulam Farid, Arey Logo Tumhara Kiya, Mein Jano Mere Allah Jaane; poet saint Saeen Sachchal Sarmast, Mahi Yaar Di Gharoli Dardee, Hik Allah Kanon Mein Dardee and Yaar Daadee Ishq Laee Ay; Nasir Kazmi, Jab Se Tune Mujhe Deewana Bana Rakhkha Hae, Sung Har Shakhs Ne Haathon Mein Utha Rakhkha Hae; and poet saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Parchchan Shaall Panhawr. Before singing Bhittai's song, Marvi enlightened her audience that she became famous after singing his Sindhi song. She also entertained special requests from the audience and sang the Popular Punjabi number "Mara ee te Mara Sae" and Arif Lohar's "Jugni." Many people in the audience commented about Marvi "she came, she performed, and she conquered." Speaking on the occasion, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan said that he considers the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia as part of his extended family. "We are part of one big family and we should always stay together and help & strengthen each other." He said: "We must continue to present our music, culture as this projects Pakistan's soft image. “The embassy has a mission to showcase our rich cultural heritage and in this connection we have hosted a calligraphic exhibition, a Qawwali event, concert by Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar, and Sanam Marvi has been invited as a part of my mission." The ambassador also mentioned the fact that he is aware that the Pakistani community here is starved of cultural programs and entertainment. "I would do all that is in my capacity to allow opportunities of entertainment that they deserve. In future, I would invite celebrated Pakistani stars so Pakistanis can enjoy their performance. I would create home away from home for my compatriots in Saudi Arabia." The entire musical event was orchestrated by Anila Naeem Khan, wife of the ambassador, who also supervised the details of the show. It was moderated by Abbas Sarwar Qureshi, head of chancery; Mueenuddin Memon, community welfare attaché and on the last day by Khayyam Akbar, deputy head of the mission. — SG
— With inputs from Mubashir Anwaar and Irshad Saleem
