FACE Music Mela 2024: Celebrating the Power of Music and Cultural Harmony

Spokesman Report
Islamabad: The Foundation for Arts Culture and Education (FACE), Islamabad announce the eagerly awaited 8th edition of the FACE Music Mela that took place on March 1st and 2nd, 2024, at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad.
Dedicated to uniting communities through the transcendent language of arts and cultural exchange, FACE has been at the forefront of fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Pakistan.
The FACE Music Mela stands as a testament to this mission, having evolved into a hallmark event on the nation’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2014.
With each passing year, the festival has witnessed remarkable growth, drawing in music enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. From attracting 20,000 attendees in 2019 to a turnout of over 25,000 in 2022, the FACE Music Mela continues to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of musical diversity and talent.
This year’s edition promised to be nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a dynamic lineup of musical acts representing a kaleidoscope of genres from both Pakistan and around the globe.
Besides many other acts, highlight of the festival were the collaboration between an American band – B.E.L (Bryce Lamar, Evan Hatfield, and Lis Viegas) – and ten talented Pakistani musicians, as part of the music residency program supported by the U.S Embassy, known as Art Engage.
The first day was formally commenced by the Deputy Chief of Missions U.S Embassy Islamabad Andrew Schofer. He commended Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education’s efforts for providing opportunities like FACE Music Mela to the local and traditional artists to showcase their musical talents. Mr. Schofer exclusively thanked the founder and CEO of FACE Mr. Zeejah Fazli for organizing the stage for a remarkable fusion performance by both the American and Pakistani artists. festival-goers were treated to the mesmerizing collaborative performances featuring Ali Adil, Islamuddin Habib, Kashif Ali Dani, Shaukat Ali, Sattar Jogi, Nimra Rafique, Ritika Dhanja, Sidra Kanwal, Rimsha Qureshi, and Horeya Asmat from Pakistan, alongside the renowned Sain Tanveer, dhol player from Punjab, Imran Aziz, and Uzair Jaswal. Day two witnessed electrifying performances by Khumariyaan and Shamoon Ismail, further igniting the stage with their unmatched energy and charisma.
The festival’s main stage witnessed a fusion of cultures and musical influences, with performances by Rimsha Qureshi, Nimra Rafiq, B.E.L, and the Global Harmony Ensemble, comprising artists from both the United States and Pakistan.
As a beacon of Pakistan’s rich musical heritage and creative prowess, the FACE Music Mela 2024 invited attendees to immerse themselves in the enchanting sounds and rhythms that have defined the nation’s cultural identity for generations