Areeb Ali Khan, Akhri Cigarette, Saffron Sweaters, Clément Visage light up Arts Council
Alliance Française de Karachi hosted the International Music Fest, Fête de la Musique 2026, on July 17 at Karachi’s Arts Council, bringing together French and Pakistani musicians for an evening celebrating live music, artistic collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Held as part of the global Fête de la Musique celebrations, the festival featured a diverse lineup including Areeb Ali Khan, Akhri Cigarette, Saffron Sweaters, French singer-songwriter Clément Visage, and DJ SQLN.
One of Alliance Française’s flagship annual events, Fête de la Musique aims to foster closer ties between French and Pakistani communities through the universal language of music.
The evening opened with singer-songwriter, producer, and music educator Areeb Ali Khan, who took to the stage with his acoustic guitar.
Delivering an intimate set, Khan performed a selection of original compositions, including his recently released single Safar, setting a warm tone for the event.
The energy soon shifted as Karachi-based alternative-rock outfit Akhri Cigarette took the stage.
Known for their commanding live performances, the band captivated the audience with their original music, backed by soaring electric guitar riffs and an engaging stage presence.
The highlight of the performance came with a rendition of Prince’s iconic 1984 hit Purple Rain, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, who sang along.
Photo: The Express Tribune
Returning to the stage between performances, the event’s host thanked the audience for their participation and applauded the musicians for creating a memorable evening. “Purple Rain — even I know Purple Rain!” he remarked, drawing laughter from attendees.
Next to perform were the Saffron Sweaters, a Karachi-based ambient music duo comprising childhood friends and musicians Maaz Muhammed and Saad Akbar.
Photo: The Express Tribune
The pair delivered an atmospheric set that reflected the cinematic soundscapes they are known for. Their debut full-length album Skardu, released through Cape Monze Records, drew inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of northern Pakistan.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly vibrant with an energetic DJ set by DJ SQLN, who transformed the venue into a dance floor with an eclectic mix of electronic beats.
Photo: The Express Tribune
French artist Clément Visage closed the show, bringing an international flavour to the event with a performance of his original French-language music.
Visage’s soulful vocals and stripped-back stage presence provided a fitting conclusion to a night dedicated to celebrating artistic diversity.
By showcasing artists from different musical traditions and backgrounds on one stage, Fête de la Musique 2026 highlighted the power of live performance to transcend borders and connect communities.
