More favorites from 2022

Ye Dunya
Karakoram, Faris Shafi, Talha Anjum

Post 2020 Pakistani pop music is often pitted against the previous renaissance in the early 2000s. Many in their 30s or older cannot understand why this new music is different, and why it can’t be the same as it was. For them, this song allows a way forward.

Pyaar Bhi Kya Nasha Hai
Taha G

I would be hard pressed to identify who is writing catchier hooks than Taha G. His music is joyful, and wonderfully easy to listen to. There doesn’t need to be more than that.

No Other Place
Umair, Talha Anjum

Few stories from this scene are as inspiring as the rise of Umair. Seeing a producer develop at this pace provides an ideal, a vision that in this community and in this country, individuals can become talismans for excellence. That he is supported by Anjum, who’s own success is similarly inspiring, only makes it better.

Mein Iqbal
JANI, superdupersultan

From a distance, it appears that the power in Pakistani music is positioned with brands who choose which artists make it big. To them, the Karachi hip hop scene, and the young stars within it such as these two are invisible. It’s time that stops. This song is a marvelous display of storytelling.