ISLAMABAD: Pakistani folk, Sufi, and spiritual singer Sanam Marvi captivated a packed audience at the historic Théâtre de la Ville on Sunday night, delivering a soul-stirring performance that celebrated Pakistan’s rich musical and spiritual traditions.

The concert, jointly organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in France and Théâtre de la Ville, drew hundreds of Parisians and members of the South Asian diaspora, all eager to witness a rare live performance by one of Pakistan’s most powerful and acclaimed voices.

Known for her deep, emotive renditions of classical Sufi poetry, Marvi’s repertoire for the evening included verses by revered mystics such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Bulleh Shah, and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. Her powerful voice reverberated through the theater, seamlessly blending Sindhi, Punjabi, and Urdu verses, carrying messages of love, spirituality, and divine unity that transcend borders.

A night of cultural diplomacy
In her address to the audience, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, praised Sanam Marvi’s performance and highlighted the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations.

“In today’s world, cultural diplomacy connects people, societies, and countries,” Ambassador Zahra Baloch remarked. “We are delighted to see such a warm response from the French audience to Pakistani music. It is through art and culture that nations truly understand one another.”

The ambassador also expressed her gratitude to Théâtre de la Ville’s management, particularly Soudabeh Kia, Conseillère Musique du Monde, for their longstanding efforts to showcase global music traditions. The theater, one of Paris’s premier venues for world music, previously hosted performances by legends such as the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, further deepening its connection with Pakistani musical heritage.

Music as a bridge between worlds
Speaking after the performance, Sanam Marvi described the experience as deeply emotional.

“Music is the spice of life, and we love our traditional music,” she said. Marvi was overwhelmed by the presence and appreciation of a large international crowd.

Born in Sindh, Marvi began singing at an early age, training under the tutelage of classical musicians before rising to fame through performances on platforms such as Coke Studio Pakistan and international festivals.

Over the years, she has become a global ambassador for Sufi and folk music, performing across South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Renewed interest in South Asian art
The Théâtre de la Ville’s management noted that events like this are part of an ongoing initiative to introduce French audiences to diverse musical expressions from around the world.

“Music transcends language and geography,” a representative said.

The evening’s success underscored not only Marvi’s immense talent but also the growing interest in South Asian art and culture among European audiences. With every note, Sanam Marvi reaffirmed her status as a leading voice of Pakistan’s spiritual music tradition and as a powerful symbol of the unifying force of art.

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Sanam Marvi enthrals Parisians at Theatre de la Ville, Paris