A POPULAR Pakistani folk singer is to make Bradford one of the stops on his first UK tour.
Zeeshan Khan Rokhri will begin his debut tour later this month, having been roped in by local businessman and philanthropist Shakeel Faraz.
Mr Faraz, who is one of the founders of the Magic Wishing Well and Heckmondwike’s first food bank, also runs Liversedge business, Fastrack Solutions.
He has been bringing music and cultural events to the UK for the past few years.
Having already organised successful shows with some of the biggest musicians and artists from Pakistan, he is now bringing Zeehsan Khan Rokhri to the UK for the first time, in an effort to increase engagement in culture and arts for South Asian communities.
Mr Faraz, who was honoured with a British Citizen Award earlier this year, said: “I am born and bred in this country, but I have South Asian heritage and growing up I realised, there was very little in the way of entertainment that was from my heritage.
“Whenever there were cultural events, I realised the atmosphere wasn’t often suitable for women or families. So now I’ve made it my mission to celebrate my heritage by bringing world-renowned artists to the UK, where families can come and enjoy in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
“I am delighted to be working with Zeeshan Khan Rokhri for my next show, as he is a profound artist who has touched my soul and has millions of fans across the world. The community and lovers of folk music are really going to be wowed by his performance and of course we will be making history as this will be his first ever UK tour.
“I am really looking forward to the show and will continue working hard to showcase the best of South Asian culture and arts.”
Mr Faraz added that a higher representation of South Asian Arts and folklore through concerts and exhibitions will allow second and third-generation South Asians in the UK to discover their roots.
Zeeshan Khan Rokhri is a popular Pakistani Saraiki folk singer who has millions of followers on Tik Tok and other social media sites, producing music under his own label Rokhri productions.
His late father, Shafaullah Rokhri, was also a huge folk singer in Pakistan.
Zeeshan Khan Rokhri’s five-date UK tour begins on November 12, and he will be appearing at Life Centre Events in Bradford on November 14.
For more information on the concert visit eventbrite.co.uk.
Want to know what’s on in Bradford? Visit our local events page for listings and to add your own events for free.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720 403052 or call us on 01274 705292.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here