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French and Pakistani artists shared the stage in Karachi during Fête de la Musique 2026, an international music festival that celebrated cultural diversity, artistic collaboration and the power of live music to bring people together.

The event was organised by Alliance Française de Karachi at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, as part of the global Fête de la Musique celebrations held in several countries every year. The festival brought together musicians from different backgrounds and musical genres, offering audiences an evening of original performances and cultural exchange.

The programme opened with singer-songwriter Areeb Ali Khan, who performed an acoustic set featuring a selection of his original songs. His recently released track Safar was among the highlights of his performance. The calm and intimate opening created a welcoming atmosphere for the audience.

The energy of the evening rose when Karachi-based alternative rock band Akhri Cigarette took the stage. The group performed several of its original songs and impressed the audience with its lively stage presence. One of the most memorable moments of the night came when the band performed a cover of the classic song Purple Rain, prompting many people in the audience to sing along.

Throughout the event, the host kept the audience engaged between performances and praised the participating artists for making the festival a memorable celebration of music and creativity.

The festival continued with a performance by Saffron Sweaters, an ambient music duo consisting of musicians Maaz Muhammed and Saad Akbar. The duo presented atmospheric compositions inspired by the natural beauty of northern Pakistan. Their music reflected themes from their debut album Skardu, which draws inspiration from the country’s mountainous landscapes.

Later in the evening, DJ SQLN transformed the atmosphere with an energetic electronic music performance. The upbeat set encouraged many attendees to dance and added a modern touch to the festival’s diverse musical lineup.

French singer-songwriter Clément Visage concluded the event with a performance of his original French-language songs. His soulful vocals and simple stage presentation brought the evening to a graceful close and highlighted the festival’s international spirit.

Organisers said the festival aims to strengthen cultural ties between Pakistan and France by providing a platform for artists to collaborate and connect with audiences. They noted that music continues to serve as a universal language capable of bridging cultures and encouraging mutual understanding.

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