RISING: Blockbuster

The Land of the Five Rivers comes alive at Fed Square for a massive celebration of Punjabi art, food and Pakistani music that’s free for all ages.

Horn please!

Winter at Fed Square is about to get overtaken by some proper Punjabi heat. Blockbuster is a massive day-to-night celebration bursting with Pakistani music, Punjabi truck art and mouthwatering street food. Taking its name from the 2024 Coke Studio viral hit ‘Blockbuster’, it’s a free all-ages event that’s set to splash the city with colour, flavour and energy.

We’re welcoming a whole host of superstar artists who’ve never performed in Australia. Check out Pakistani rap acrobatics from Faris Shafi. The ‘Blockbuster’ hitmaker has over 61 million YouTube views and this is his world-premiere performance, exclusive to Melbourne. Annural Khalid will bring her infectious fusion of desi R&B and pop. There’ll be a set from Zain Zohaib, two brothers carrying the family tradition of epic Qawwali music. Also, rock and Bollywood composer Xulfi, who’s worked with massive Pakistani bands, Entity Paradigm and Call. And Sherry Khattak, lead singer and guitarist from legendary Lahore alt rockers Karakoram.

Fill your plate with street food. Explore the kaleidoscopic truck art by Pakistani painter Haider Ali who’s renowned for transforming everyday vehicles and public spaces into moving canvasses pride, joy and colonial resistance.

A big theme for the day is Baithak, which is traditionally a space for getting together, sharing stories and lending a hand. Learn the art of Paranda braiding, customise your own clothing or tote with Pakistani block printing, or strap on a dhol drum and try the basics of a bhangra beat.

Then, as the sun goes down, technicolour lights go up and the party kicks on, Blockbuster style.

Presented with RISING and SalamFest, curated by Ayesha Bux.