Features
In the spotlight at FIFA fan zone venue
Those who were in Qatar, during FIFA, but were unable to see the live action, at the venues, were given the opportunity to see it all happen, on big screens, at different fan zone areas.
These FIFA fan zone areas drew large crowds and there was plenty of excitement for all those present.
Before the matches commenced, and shown on the giant screens, there was live entertainment, on stage, at these fan zone venues, and, at one particular venue, two Sri Lankan artistes, were also on stage to entertain the football fans.
Rubeena Shabnam and Dileepa Liyanage consider themselves lucky to have been invited to perform at one of the FIFA fan zones, at Barwa Al Baraha, a little out of the city.
“Although, as musicians, we are not highly recognised in the music field, it was a dream come true for us, as Sri Lankans, to perform at one of the FIFA fan zones, with a crowd of 5000 to 6000 people. It was, indeed, a privilege to be one of the Sri Lankan musical duos, amongst other nationalities, and we were proud to perform Sri Lankan songs on this great platform,” says Rubeena.
As Dileepa and I have been doing Hindi cover songs and Sinhala songs (originals), as well as collaborating with other musicians, in Qatar, this was one big opportunity, and an eye-opener for us, as this is something we would never ever have dreamt of.”
Rubeena says they now look forward to doing more originals and to introduce Sri Lankan music, in the Middle East, in a bigger way.
Rubeena has been residing in Qatar for the past 14 years. By profession, she is a nursery teacher / radio personality.
Dileepa is a music producer and has been in Qatar for over six years.