This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
What is expected when the most popular fusion musician and producer of Pakistan performs an exclusive set for an array of Hollywood stars? Something that outdoes expectations and makes one proud of being a Pakistani!
Overload’s front man Farhad Humayun, who is at present visiting the USA and UK, was recently asked to perform at the most historic & posh venue in Hollywood, the Chateau de Marmont Hotel, at the birthday bash of English-born actor, singer and documentary maker, Donovan Leitch.
Farhad performed an acoustic set, with friend Lanny Cordola on guitar. The set included the sufi song Ik Alif. The soulful performance received a standing ovation from a star studded audience which included Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Zane and Lone Skye, who welcomed the Pakistani with open arms.
Given the fact that Pakistan is in the news for the wrong reasons, Hollywood was stunned by the enigmatic presence and performance of Farhad Humayun which makes him a true ambassador of peace and inter-culture harmony for Pakistan.
In the past, Farhad and Overload have toured numerous countries such as Sri Lanka, Norway, UAE, India, France, Spain, the U.S and the UK where they performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. While in Japan the band had the honour of appearing on stage before opera icon Sarah Brightman of Phantom of the Opera Fame. Farhad is also the producer and mentor for many top Pakistani artists such as Atif Aslam, Meesha Shafi, Symt and Maha Ali Kazmi all of whom he introduced to the mainstream.
Sharing his experience of performing at Donovan’s birthday event, Farhad said “It was an honour singing in my language to an audience that didn’t understand it. All they could do was to hear and feel the sound and interpret my emotion. I feel that Pakistanis are misunderstood and most of the world knows very little about us. Actors like Billy Zane and musicians like Michael Franti of Spearhead have expressed their love for Pakistan & wish to visit on my invitation very soon. I love Pakistan & am proud to show people everywhere that we mean well“.
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