US invites Pak singers as part of cultural diplomacy

Washington: As part of its ground breaking cultural diplomacy initiative, the United States has invited popular Pakistani singer-songwriter duo Zeb and Haniya for a series of public performances in cities across the country.

As part of the Center Stage, a public diplomacy initiative of the State Department, Zeb & Haniya will perform in communities across America from September 5 to October 1 ? in Akron, Washington DC.; Madison, Albuquerque, Helena and Houston. During their tour, the Pakistani artists will participate in variety of performances, workshops, discussions, artist-to-artist exchanges, and community gatherings in seven medium and small-sized towns and cities, the State Department said. This acclaimed singer-song writing duo is from Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The duo`s songs are mostly in Urdu, but some lyrics are also in Pashto, Dari and Turkish. Their music has been described at various times as alternative, art folk, ethnic blues and easy listening by international reviewer`s and critics. PTI