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 for this world-premiere live experience, exclusive to Melbourne.

Headlining the night is the ‘uncensored voice of Pakistan’ (The Times of India), rapper Faris Shafi. The ‘Blockbuster’ hitmaker has racked up over 133 million streams globally. Annural Khalid, Spotify Pakistan’s most-streamed woman artist of 2024, will bring her infectious fusion of desi R&B and pop. There’ll be a set from Qawwali duo Zain Zohaib, who will bring their soulful, contemporary take on a centuries-old Sufi tradition, continuing their family’s rich musical legacy with globally acclaimed performances. Joining the lineup is legendary musician and producer Xulfi (Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan), who pioneered and curated Nescafé Basement, the first ever Pakistani platform dedicated to unearthing underground talent, produced Coke Studio seasons 14 and 15, and was co-founder and former frontman of massive Pakistani bands, Entity and Call. Completing the line-up is Sherry Khattak, frontman of Karakoram, who is known for leading a bold new wave of Pakistani rock that honours the genre’s legacy while pushing its boundaries.

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.