Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: February 18, 2025 | 
| 中文
Fizza Javed's performance
NAPA (National Academy of Performing Arts) has played a crucial and indispensable role in preserving and promoting the rich performing arts heritage of Pakistan. From captivating theatre and soul-stirring music to nurturing exceptional new talent, it has provided a platform for dedicated artists to hone their craft and present high-quality productions to the audience. When I first learned about Fizza Javed's performance on a weekday, I was skeptical that the busy Karachiites would choose to spend their precious weekday evening with a relatively new singer, who had only been around for a couple of years. However, on the day of the event, I was astounded to see the Zia Mohyeddin Theatre filled, with Karachi’s most notable personalities in attendance. Fizza has come a long way since her humble beginnings at Pakistan Idol auditions and her performances in Coke Studio, establishing herself as a genuine crowd-puller. Her greatest asset was her natural ability to effortlessly connect with the audience while delivering a spellbinding performance.
The show began with a slight delay, but the vibrant and energetic Fizza quickly made up for the lost time. Folk & Filmi with Fizza Javed was truly an unmissable event, though it leaned heavily on folk music, with only a subtle hint of film tunes. Fizza opened with three soulful ghazals: Aye Kuch Abr and Baat Karni Mujhay Mushkil by the legendary Mehdi Hassan, along with Woh Mujh Se Hue Humkalam by the graceful Farida Khanum. Accompanying her on the piano was the remarkable Mr. Julian Qaisar, a NAPA faculty member. A blind pianist of exceptional talent, he delivered a masterful performance, with the grand piano serving as the sole accompaniment to Fizza’s soothing and melodic vocals.
Fizza with Julian Qaisar
Fizza engaged the audience by inviting their excited song requests, and from that moment until the end of the event, the entire evening was dedicated entirely to heartfelt folk music and sufi songs. She opened with Abida Parveen's Main Nara-e-Mastana, hypnotizing the crowd with her soulful and passionate rendition. This was followed by Azra Jehan’s beloved classic from Chooriyan (1998), Layya Layya Main Tere Nal Dholna, which further energized the atmosphere.
Backed by a lively ensemble of tabla, dholak, guitars, electric keyboard and drums, Fizza’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence electrified the atmosphere. The audience, swept up by her infectious energy, not only swayed to the rhythm but also raised their hands in sheer exhilaration. As the night progressed, she delivered stirring renditions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Nahi Lagna Dil Mera and Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, two timeless classics that resonated deeply with the crowd. Embracing the moment, Fizza enthusiastically encouraged the 200-strong audience to sing along with her, transforming the performance into a lively, communal celebration of rich music and shared culture.
Fizza and the Band
Solo performances by the talented Faizan on Dholak and the energetic Vicky on Tabla also mesmerized the crowd. The entire band, which regularly performs with Fizza, brought a flawless synchronization to their music, and the collective success they experienced was largely due to their tight-knit coordination.
Fizza, a dedicated disciple of Ustad Karam Abbas Khan of the Gwalior Gharana, took a moment to warmly introduce her esteemed guru to the audience. The event had a touching, familial aspect, as her supportive family, including her loving mother, was present to celebrate the occasion with her. Abida Parveen’s soulful Sufi songs dominated the playlist, and Tere Ishq Nachaya transported the audience to a nostalgic time when her powerful performances on Pakistan Television would captivate viewers across the nation. The song's evocative melody stirred a sense of nostalgia, reminding everyone of the golden era when Abida Parveen's music reigned supreme.
The audience was enthralled
With Reshma's emotional Lambi Judaai, that became famous when Bollywood Producer Subhash Ghai added it to the soundtrack of his movie Hero (1983), Fizza enchanted the audience, drawing them into a trance with the deep emotion and vivid intensity of her performance. Sanu Nehr Walay Pul from the film Dukh Sajna De (1973) was a heartfelt attempt at singing Noor Jehan's number. Mahi Yaar Di Gadoli came later, but despite various requests, Fizza kept the energetic Dama Dam Mast Qalandar for the grand finale and ended the night with the timeless all-time favorite song. Originally composed for the Punjabi film Jabroo (1956) by Aashiq Hussain, it was rendered by the legendary Inayat Hussain Bhatti, Fazal Hussain, AR Bismil and Co. Later, it was modified by Nazir Ali and sung by Noor Jehan for Dilan De Sauday (1969).
The evening also had a personal connection for the singer, as she was performing on the eve of her birthday. She was presented a bouquet by the administration and her remarkable performance at NAPA, was worth a treat for the audience. It was a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the prestigious institution on the arts in Pakistan. What initially began as a skeptical thought about a relatively new artist quickly transformed into a captivating and mesmerizing evening of soul-stirring folk music, timeless classics and a seamless connection between the talented artist and the engaged audience.
Fizza Javed talking to the crowd
The event not only showcased NAPA's remarkable ability to nurture exceptional talent, but also highlighted Karachi’s vibrant and flourishing cultural landscape, where the performing arts continue to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.
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