Ancient Poetry, Modern Sounds Hit Hanoi

Pakistan’s Sufi tradition just landed in Vietnam. Saakin, an Islamabad-based band, brought ancient poetry modern sounds to Hanoi when they performed at the 2nd Cultures of the World Festival, held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel from October 1 to 4.

They were one of 19 international art troupes on the bill, blending rock, jazz, folk and electronic influences into a sound that is hard to put in a single box. The story was reported by VOV World, which covered the band’s appearance at the event.

Quick Facts

Saakin was founded in 2011 and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The band performed at the 2nd Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi.
The festival ran from October 1 to 4 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
19 international art troupes performed at the event in total.
Saakin consists of three members: Usman Shakeel, Hammad Khalid and Ali Hamdani.

What Actually Happened in Hanoi

Saakin took the stage at one of Vietnam’s most historically significant venues, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, as part of a festival that brought together artists from across the world.

A photo caption in the VOV World report references their track Intebah in the context of the festival. The caption describes the band as a Pakistani Sufi-fusion group, giving readers a clear sense of how they were presented to an international audience.

Saakin is made up of vocalist and percussionist Usman Shakeel, bassist and guitarist Hammad Khalid, and vocalist and guitarist Ali Hamdani. Together they have been crafting their sound since 2011, pulling from different musical backgrounds to build something that does not fit neatly into one genre.

Usman was direct about that when speaking to VOV World. “To be honest, we don’t consider our music specifically rock, because it’s more diverse than that. We come from various backgrounds, and we just try to create a sound that suits and supports our music.” That kind of genre-defying approach is central to what makes Saakin’s work distinctive.

Why It Matters

At the heart of what Saakin does is Sufi poetry, a rich literary tradition written by Sufi mystics and scholars. It is a tradition that carries serious emotional and spiritual depth, and the band’s work sits right at the intersection of that heritage and on sound and rhythm that speaks to younger, globally connected listeners.

Saakin’s presence at an international arts festival in Hanoi puts Pakistani independent music in front of a new audience. It is also a reminder that Sufi poetry, rooted in centuries of verse from mystics and scholars, carries themes that travel across cultural lines.

If you are into Pakistani music that moves people, Saakin is a name worth knowing. Their approach, rooted in Sufi verse but shaped by modern instrumentation, is exactly the kind of crossover that travels well. If you want more Pakistani music content, check out our list of the best wedding dance songs in Pakistan for something to play at your next big event.

What Happens Next

There is no information yet on whether Saakin has further international dates planned following their Hanoi appearance. For fans in Pakistan, this is a good moment to look up Saakin if you have not already.

A band rooted in Sufi tradition that performs on an international stage is doing something worth paying attention to. Keep an eye on what they do next. And if you are looking for something completely different to read today, check out the best desserts in Islamabad worth trying right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Saakin and where are they from?

Saakin is a music band from Islamabad, Pakistan, founded in 2011. The group consists of Usman Shakeel on vocals and percussion, Hammad Khalid on bass and guitar, and Ali Hamdani on vocals and guitar.

What is Saakin’s connection to the Hanoi festival?

Saakin performed at the 2nd Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi, held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel from October 1 to 4. They were one of 19 international art troupes that took part in the event.

What genre does Saakin play?

Saakin blends rock, jazz, folk and electronic influences, though vocalist Usman Shakeel has said the band does not consider itself strictly rock because its sound is more diverse. At the heart of their music is Sufi poetry, a rich literary tradition written by Sufi mystics and scholars.

What is the Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi?

The Cultures of the World Festival is an international arts event held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The 2nd edition featured 19 international art troupes performing at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel from October 1 to 4.

What is Sufi poetry and why does Saakin use it?

Sufi poetry is a rich literary tradition written by Sufi mystics and scholars. Saakin places it at the heart of their music, using it as the foundation for a sound that also incorporates rock, jazz, folk and electronic influences.

How many troupes performed at the 2nd Cultures of the World Festival?

A total of 19 international art troupes performed at the festival. Saakin represented Pakistan as one of those groups.

Where can I read the original report about Saakin’s Hanoi performance?

The original story was published by VOV World. You can find the full report on their website at vovworld.vn.

Final Thoughts

Saakin’s appearance at the Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi is a real moment for Pakistani music on the global stage. Three musicians from Islamabad, rooted in a rich Sufi literary tradition, performed at a historic Vietnamese imperial citadel as part of a lineup of 19 international art troupes. That is worth celebrating, and if this performance puts more eyes on what Pakistan’s independent music scene has to offer, even better.

Source: vovworld.vn

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