“Heritage Live” is one of the most challenging and meaningful projects undertaken by Reality Beyond Dreams. Initiated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this endeavour came at a time when RBD, like many others, was navigating unprecedented uncertainty. As lockdowns spread and economies stalled, the cultural sector faced acute pressures—and it was in this context that FACE Pakistan reached out, presenting RBD with an opportunity to preserve an irreplaceable piece of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

For Pakistan’s folk musicians, many of whom live in remote rural regions, basic necessities remain scarce, let alone access to digital platforms. Most of these artists belong to nomadic communities, inheriting a rich musical legacy passed down through generations. But technology, the vehicle of today’s global culture, felt unreachable for many. Even if connectivity existed, few had the means to engage with it, and the shift in public interest towards pop culture and more readily accessible media threatened to erase their art forever. Their music—and the wisdom it embodies—is irreplaceable, carrying stories of resilience, identity, and an intricate bond with nature. These artists are the custodians of an oral history that extends far beyond the melodies and instruments, stretching into the region’s shared history, culture, rituals, and values.

FACE Pakistan’s initiative was ambitious: to not only preserve these music forms digitally but also equip the musicians with essential skills to share their work independently in a modern world. Workshops aimed to bridge the vast gap between tradition and technology, teaching these artists to use social media and digital platforms. It was an invitation for them to inhabit a world where they could reach new audiences while holding firm to their roots. The task of capturing this journey, of bringing together such diverse voices, fell to RBD. Despite a limited budget and the logistical strains of a pandemic, the chance to document these musicians and their art was a responsibility we embraced wholeheartedly.

The challenges of this project went beyond the ordinary. Working with strict pandemic constraints, our team had to constantly adapt, navigating restrictions and delays while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Crafting Heritage Live Season 1 was a true balancing act: creating a digital archive that was both artistically faithful and practically useful, all within tight limitations. Yet, Season 1 remains the most cherished instalment in the Heritage Live series, not only for its raw authenticity but for the shared sense of purpose that defined every interaction.

What we learned from these musicians went beyond the music. As our team worked to introduce them to the digital world, we found ourselves as students in their classrooms. These artists shared with us age-old insights on nature, arts, and community—perspectives that ran far deeper than learning to “go live” or create a social media reel. They spoke of their connection to the land, the essence of their heritage, and the responsibilities they held as artists within their communities. In an era where trends shift with every swipe, their stories reminded us of a slower, more enduring rhythm, a connection to time that is steadfast and unyielding.

Through Heritage Live, RBD helped create a lifeline for these traditions, honouring voices that might have otherwise been forgotten. In a society that sometimes sacrifices legacy for the allure of the new, Heritage Live stands as a tribute to those traditions that endure, adapting without losing their essence. FACE Pakistan’s vision, combined with RBD’s dedication, has ensured that the songs, stories, and wisdom of Pakistan’s folk musicians will persist, building connections with generations to come.