The Qudos Bank Arena is awash with colour tonight as the crowd gathers to see Diljit Dosanjh, who earlier this year became the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella. Tonight this venue is packed to the rafters, but that is not exceptional because his ‘Born to Shine’ tour has sold out venues across the world.
Inside, the Arena is a sea of vibrant colours – many women are wearing bright, shimmering saris, in radiant shades of red, blue, gold, and green. There are heaps of excited children in the audience. Men and boys stand out, proudly wearing the traditional Sikh headdress, the turban or ‘pagri’. Each turban is meticulously wrapped, signifying honour, respect, and a deep connection to their roots.
The guy who is overseeing the pyrotechnics shows the photographers exactly where to stand, we dare not stray out of our square safe zone, he warns us. Luckily we heed his advice because the show starts with reams of confetti being fired from cannons all around us combined with bursts of fire that threaten to singe my eyebrows. The spectacle of confetti and fire create a sensory overload, the cool touch of paper contrasting sharply with the heat of the flames.
In the midst of the dazzling spectacle, Dosanjh emerges on a podium that rises from the stage. He is a vision of serenity and style, draped in a pristine white kurta and white turban, paired effortlessly with a modern accessory: a pair of sleek sunglasses. The dark lenses contrasted starkly against the pure white of his attire, lending him an air of mystique.
What follows is a seamless blend of traditional Bhangra beats with contemporary rhythms, creating a musical experience that resonates with both the young and the old in the audience. It’s a celebration where the heart dances, the soul sings, and it’s a testament to the ability of music to unite.
Check out our gallery below.
