“It’s been a whiriwind,” says Sparlay Rawail of Khumariyaan, speaking from lebanon, New Hampshire, in the middle of what he describes as a transformative journey across the united States.
“In 2014, we had the opportunity to take part in a programme called Center Stage,” he recalls. “This year, they’re doing their eighth and final edition, and for that, they brought back some of the alumni — we were honoured to be among them.”
The current tour spans 35 days and includes performances at festivals, colleges, and community events across the US, all with a clear mission: to introduce American audiences — particularly the artloving and open-minded — to the music and culture of Pakistan. But it’s not just about cultural exchange in one direction. “It’s also for us to take these experiences back home,” Sparlay explains, “to share our stories with communities in Pakistan — the way Americans have welcomed us, how curious and respectful they’ve been.”
So far, the band has performed in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico (“absolutely fantastic”), followed by four high-energy sets at the Montana Folk Festival, where they were declared “Best in Show” by Montana Public Radio. “That reel I sent you? It’s from Montana,” he adds. “It’s gone viral — almost 600,000 views and rising every hour.” Other stops on the tour have included Gainesville, Florida; Chicago, where they played the South Asia Society show; and Providence, Rhode Island, where they drew a large and enthusiastic Pakistani crowd. “We’ve done two shows here in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and next we head to Norwalk, Connecticut, then New York City, and finally Baltimore before wrapping up around August this week’s end.”
Reflecting on the tour, Sparlay, the chosen spokesperson for the band (and by the band) describes the experience as eye-opening. “We keep hearing that America is deeply polarised these days, but the people we’ve met — the crowds we’ve played for — have been incredible. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Truly amazing.” “And don’t just take my word for it,” he laughs. “Check out the comments and shares on our Reels. The reaction speaks for itself.” -Maheen Sabeeh