DUBAI: The Citizens Foundation (TCF) — UAE’s upcoming event on November 2, Umeed 2025 at The Agenda, Dubai — is an evening dedicated to supporting education in Pakistan. Featuring Faisal Kapadia, Hassan Raheem, and Shae Gill, the event will be an evening of music, hope, and purpose.
TCF was founded in 1995 and, thirty years later, remains one of Pakistan’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to providing quality education to the less privileged. With more than 2,033 purpose-built school units educating over 300,000 students, it has become a beacon of hope, transforming lives and communities. The organisation now has chapters in seven countries, including the UAE.
The TCF Dubai event aligns with the UAE’s official announcement of 2025 as the Year of Community — a national initiative aimed at strengthening social bonds and promoting meaningful engagement.
Speaking about the initiative, Mushtaq Chhapra, Co-Founder of TCF, said:
“In over thirty years of TCF’s journey, I’ve seen children from some of the poorest communities of Pakistan grow up to become doctors, teachers, and leaders in their communities. All they needed was an opportunity. That’s what umeed (hope) really means to me. Umeed 2025 is an opportunity to take that hope forward, to the millions of children still waiting for their chance to build a better life.”
As Umeed’s title sponsor, Careem’s CEO and Co-Founder, Mudassir Sheikha, said:
“Pakistan’s economic potential is enormous, and education is the key to unlocking this potential and driving transformative change across the country. Pakistan has given Careem so much, and we feel a deep responsibility to give back. Mission-driven organisations like The Citizens Foundation are making education accessible to the communities that need it most. We are proud to stand alongside them in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan.”
Faisal Kapadia, renowned singer-songwriter, musician, composer, guitarist, and now TCF’s Brand Ambassador, added:
“Music has the power to bring people together, and when it supports a cause as meaningful as education, it becomes even more powerful. I am thrilled and honoured to be part of this evening of hope, alongside such talented artists.”
All proceeds from Umeed 2025 will go towards supporting TCF’s education programmes in Pakistan. Faisal Kapadia is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the iconic rock band Strings. After the band’s dissolution, he began performing as a solo artist. He has cited Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman as major influences, along with U2, Bryan Adams, Sting, and Bon Jovi. Kapadia has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan.
Interview with Faisal Kapadia
How different is singing solo and in a group?
It is very different because a group can be like a family or close friends making music together, sharing similar interests, and maintaining a consistent sound. In a solo career, you’re on your own. In a group, decisions are made collectively — if something goes wrong, everyone shares the responsibility; if something goes right, everyone shares the credit.
As a solo artist, you are responsible for all your decisions, whether right or wrong. Unlike a band, where the music and sound are consistent, solo work gives you more room to experiment, grow, try new things, and collaborate with others. Working with various musicians, producers, and songwriters is a learning process that I’m truly enjoying right now.
How have Kishore Kumar, R.D. Burman, U2, Bon Jovi, and Bryan Adams influenced your music?
I grew up listening to legendary musical talents like Kishore Kumar, admiring his voice, range, and expressive singing. I love R.D. Burman as a composer, and the combination of R.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar was simply epic.
Bands like U2, Bon Jovi, and Bryan Adams have been remarkably consistent for the past 30–40 years. Despite how much the world has changed in the past half-century, they’re still making meaningful music — and that longevity inspires me.
Why do you like associating with causes like UNICEF and TCF?
At this stage in my life, I want to give back to society. Music has given me so much — fame, opportunities, and a platform — and I want to use that reach for good causes. TCF is doing phenomenal work in education, and I want to support them as much as I can.
How will you serve as a Brand Ambassador for TCF?
As TCF’s Brand Ambassador, I’m working to create awareness for the cause of education. Whenever they need me for fundraising or awareness efforts, I’m there. I’m currently on a European tour with TCF, performing in Dublin, Munich, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam for their fundraising events. The journey will culminate with the Umeed 2025 concert in Dubai.
Any future albums in the making?
My last album — my first solo album in 35 years — was released in 2023. It was titled Zindagi Jahan Le Jaye (Wherever Life Takes Us), and I thoroughly enjoyed creating it. This year, I’ve released a couple of solo singles. One of them, Sadiyan (Centuries), was released last week. Before that, I composed an OST (Original Soundtrack) for a drama series.
I’m not sure if I’ll release a new album in 2026, but I’m continuously working on new music and collaborations.
PFA: Press Release
