Alliance Française de Karachi hosted the International Music Fest, Fête de la Musique 2026, on July 17 at the Arts Council Karachi. The festival brought together French and Pakistani musicians for an evening of live music, artistic collaboration and cultural exchange.
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As part of the global Fête de la Musique celebrations, the event featured performances by Areeb Ali Khan, Akhri Cigarette, Saffron Sweaters, French singer-songwriter Clément Visage and DJ SQLN.
Moreover, Fête de la Musique is one of Alliance Française’s flagship annual events. It aims to strengthen cultural ties between France and Pakistan through the universal language of music.
To begin the evening, singer-songwriter, producer and music educator Areeb Ali Khan took the stage with his acoustic guitar. He performed a selection of original songs, including his recently released single Safar. As a result, he created a warm and intimate atmosphere for the audience.
Next, Karachi-based alternative rock band Akhri Cigarette delivered an energetic performance. The band impressed the audience with original songs, powerful guitar riffs and an engaging stage presence.
The highlight of the set came with a rendition of Prince’s iconic 1984 hit Purple Rain. Consequently, the audience responded with loud cheers and sang along throughout the performance.
Meanwhile, the event host returned to the stage between performances. He thanked the audience for attending and praised the musicians for making the evening memorable. He also joked, “Even I know Purple Rain,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Afterward, the Saffron Sweaters took the stage. The Karachi-based ambient music duo consists of childhood friends Maaz Muhammed and Saad Akbar.
During their performance, the duo presented atmospheric compositions inspired by cinematic soundscapes. In addition, they showcased music from their debut album, Skardu, which draws inspiration from the landscapes of northern Pakistan.
Later, DJ SQLN raised the energy with an upbeat electronic music set. As the evening progressed, the venue transformed into a lively dance floor.
Finally, French artist Clément Visage closed the festival. He performed his original French-language songs with soulful vocals and a minimalist stage presence. Overall, his performance provided a memorable conclusion to the event.
By bringing together artists from different musical traditions, Fête de la Musique 2026 celebrated artistic diversity. Ultimately, the festival demonstrated how live music can connect communities across cultures and borders.
