In Concert with Strings featuring Meesha Shafi

Pop rock duo Strings featuring Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia need no introduction. They are, after all, one of the most popular bands out of Pakistan, known for their energetic live performances, exhilarating collaborations with renowned international artists, and poignant poetry (most of which are penned by Bilal’s father, Anwar Maqsood). Last here in Singapore at Kalaa Utsavam 2012, the pair returns this year with more of their impassioned display of guitar skills, rock tunes and compelling fusion folk melodies.

This evening not only sees them perform their hits, but also showcases them as the executive producers of the extremely popular televised music programme, Coke Studio Pakistan. Joining them on stage is up-and-coming Pakistani singer and actress Meesha Shafi, who made her singing debut in Coke Studio. She has appeared in television blockbuster Mor Mahal; the Hollywood film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist; as well as the critically acclaimed Bhaag Milka Bhaag.

Strings

Originally a four-man band, Strings made their debut in 1990 with an eponymously-titled album, and another one, Strings 2, two years later, which featured the iconic track Sar Kiya Yeh Pahar. After a reshuffle of the band’s original members and an eight-year hiatus, Bilal and Faisal took the industry by storm with their critically acclaimed album Duur. Four years later, they released Dhaani, garnering them national and international recognition.

The duo has contributed to the soundtracks of numerous Bollywood motion pictures including I am Khan. Their song Na Jaane Kyun was also featured in the Spiderman 2 original soundtrack. Apart from their work for film, they also collaborate with internationally renowned acts including Euphoria and actors Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham.

As ambassadors of Pakistani pop rock music, they have also been championing for peace between Pakistan and India. Strings made two appearances at the Aman ki Asha Music Festival in 2010 and 2011.

Strings appeared in the first two seasons of Coke Studio Pakistan as featured artists. In 2014, they took over the reins as executive producers, bringing back the genres of rock, folk, pop and Sufi music.

Meesha Shafi

A multi-faceted and award-winning actress and singer, Meesha is one of the few artists who have worked in Hollywood, Bollywood, and Lollywood (Pakistan popular film industry). She made her debut as a singer on Coke Studio, and achieved over 25 million hits on YouTube with the song Alif Allah (Jugni), in collaboration with Pakistani folk legend Arif Lohar.