JEDDAH: Jeddah’s South Asian community came together at the Equestrian Club on Friday for a vibrant celebration of culture as part of Jeddah Season 2024.
The event featured a diverse mix of music, dance and cultural programs, and attracted an audience that included Saudi celebrities, media and cultural figures.
The concert showcased the talents of popular Indian artists including rapper Dabji, singers Nikita Gandhi and Salman Ali, actor Gauhar Khan and the Sangeet Dance Crew.
Ali captivated the audience with her powerful vocals, enthralling the stage and eliciting lively reactions from the crowd.
“I love the energy of the crowd. They really liven up the atmosphere, they sing along and dance to the songs,” Ali said.
Gandhi, who is known for his popular Bollywood songs, expressed his happiness at performing in front of such a large audience.
She said: “Music is what brings us all together. Seeing so many people singing along to my songs is the greatest joy for any artist.”
Despite the scorching heat, host Khan was ecstatic about the experience. She was moved by the audience’s contagious energy and appreciation for the musical and cultural performances.
She added: “It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate Indian culture, despite the less than ideal weather.”
“Their enthusiasm made the event truly unforgettable and I’m so grateful to have been able to take part.”
Dabji, a rapper from Kerala, India, captivated the audience and encouraged them to dance to his music.
Javed Raheem, who attended the show with his friends, said: “I have never seen such a vibrant mix of tradition and talent. It is truly inspiring to see these cultures coming together. There was energy and laughter everywhere. The festival was truly a feast for the senses.”
Sanaa Khan, who attended the event, said, “I particularly enjoyed Salman Ali’s singing performance.”
“My family and I had a lot of fun singing his well-known songs together. After watching him perform on TV for many years, seeing him perform live was a truly enriching experience.”
The concert was part of a festival celebrating the diverse cultures of seven Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia and Nepal.
Each event will celebrate different Asian cultures through live performances, folk exhibits, children’s activities and more every Friday until August 16. Visitors can also explore more than 20 food stalls and 15 food trucks serving a variety of cuisines.
