At Pakistan election rallies music is as important as the message, with Imran Khan’s use of DJs starting a trend

Political anthems have long been a staple of Pakistani election rallies, but DJs have injected new rhythms and made the gatherings a place for the music-obsessed masses to cut loose and dance

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Supporters of Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, dance and cheer to songs during an election campaign rally in Pindi Gheb in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:02am, 24 Jul 2018Updated: 10:01am, 24 Jul 2018

As the crowd swells with anticipation for their leader Shahbaz Sharif’s arrival, a DJ blares the anthem Respect the Vote, while supporters chant slogans and sway to the synth-driven dance track.

“We are enjoying it a lot,” shouts Nauman Khan over the ear-splitting volume as he dances with friends at the rally in Punjab province, days ahead of Pakistan’s national elections this Wednesday.

“We really like the songs of Nawaz Sharif,” he screams, referring to Shahbaz’s brother, the jailed former premier who continues to inspire his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters from behind bars.

Pakistani political rallies have been transformed in recent years to festive blowouts, designed to entertain as much as inspire supporters to vote. The formula was first perfected by Asif Butt – better known by his stage persona DJ Butt – an erstwhile wedding DJ who first shot to fame when he played a rally for cricketer-turned-opposition leader Imran Khan in 2011.

Asif Butt, better known by his stage persona DJ Butt. Photo: AFP

It was there that the Lahore-based DJ began to perfect his craft, playing contemporary songs to warm up the crowd and musical interludes to the speeches on stage – injecting some dramatic theatre into long stretches of oratory.