Pakistan has always had a deep connection to music. Within our short history as a country, Pakistan is home to some of the most impactful and talented artists within the Sub-continent. From the amazing qawwalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to the soulful renditions of Abida Parveen, our musical legacy spans all whole history and before. But modernization of Pakistani music has always been a bit slow.
While talents like Nazia Hassan have come and gone, our music scene has been pretty restrictive with regards to genre. But the younger crop of artists are taking Pakistan’s music scene into a whole new soundscape — one that’s defined not by classical instruments or ghazal evenings, but by lo-fi beats, TikTok snippets, and independent voices rising from bedroom studios.
This generation of artists isn’t waiting to be given their big break from a major record label. They aren’t restricted by constraints with the advent of social media. Instead, they’re building fanbases online, owning their narratives, and shaping a sound that’s fresh, experimental, and unapologetically Pakistani. Here are some of the most exciting names leading Pakistan’s indie music renaissance.
The Rise of the Indie Sound
The advent of the internet and social media within the digital age has really had such a huge impact on our world. The music industry as a whole has changed so much and, in Pakistan, it’s no different. With amazing media sharing platforms like Soundcloud, Spotify, Patari, and YouTube, emerging and tech-savvy artists have been able to showcase their talent without an intermediary. Add social media to the equation through Instagram Reels and TikTok, and we have an ecosystem where a single viral snippet can catapult an artist into the spotlight.
A good example of this is Young Stunners, the duo of rap-loving Karachiites. Starting as amateur rappers who uploaded raw tracks online, have now become a national and international phenomenon. Despite having no label, they’ve been able to build a loyal fanbase, found a place within mainstream media, and proved that virality can be a game-changer.
Here are some artists making a splash within our emerging music industry.
Abdul Hannan – The Poet of Pop
Breaking onto the scene with tracks like “Iraaday” and “Bikhra”, Abdul Hannan has quickly established himself as a young voice for the broken-hearted. His lyrics are deeply poetic and introspective, layered with emotion and depth rare for someone this new.
Starting out on SoundCloud, the Lahore-based artist has cemented himself into the music scene through his audience of university students and TikTok creators alike. Nowadays, his music has become a common feature in any late-night playlists and road trip vibes.
Hasan Raheem – Doctor musician?
Everyone has heard of Hasan Raheem. From his record-breaking breakthrough hit “Joona” to his Coke Studio debut in “Peechay Hutt”, Hasan Raheem has taken the music world by storm. A diverse artist who is able to easily blend into any genre, this trained doctor from Gilgit has brought pop-R&B to the mainstream in Pakistan.
Hasan has shown that he’s a generational talent. His relaxed and calm delivery with relatable lyrics resonate with a generation navigating an unpredictable and messy world. His popularity has become so huge that his impact has crossed borders!
Eva B – Breaking the Mold
One of the interesting artists to come from Pakistan, Eva B has shown that art comes from everywhere. Hailing from Lyari—a neighborhood often depicted in a very negative light—Eva B has carved out a space for herself in a male-dominated industry as Pakistan’s first major female rapper. A hard hitting lyricist, Eva B is using her voice to challenge norms through art and culture, whilst redefine desi hip-hop.
Tracks like “Kana Yaari” and “Mukhtasir Baatein” showcase her lyrical prowess and cultural pride. Representing the Baloch community and women in rap, Eva B is as groundbreaking as she is gifted.
Shae Gill – The Voice That Traveled the World
Shae Gill may have seemed to come out of nowhere. Most artists would dream to have their debut be as monumental as Shae Gill’s was. After achieving near global attention for her Coke Studio duet in “Pasoori”, Shae Gill has shown no signs of slowing down.
Starting by uploading covers on Instagram, this Lahore-based artist has taken over the industry with her hauntingly beautiful voice. Today, she continues to make viral and groundbreaking music with her minimalist, soulful style. Her story is proof that talent and hard work—when authentic—needs no grand introduction.
Taha G – Gen-Z’s Melodic Maverick
Some have hailed Taha G a voice for a new generation. While the coronation might be premature, Taha G’s impact in such a short time is undeniable. Through his unique blend of trap beats and heartfelt lyrics, Taha G embraces his inner Drake to create a space for himself within the industry. His songs like “Dil Kay Isharay” and “Dou Pal” reflect a deep understanding of the world of the average modern youth —equal parts romantic, restless, and real.
The struggles
Despite growth within the music scene in the past decade or so, indie artists in Pakistan still deal with a considerable amount of hurdles. Live performance venues are not common, and without any label support, funding for production and promotion can be near impossible. Both copyright violations and content piracy also remain widespread issues, as it does in many of the artistic industries within the country. And given the increase in music artists within Pakistan, competition is high. Trying to stand out in an ocean full of talented artists can be hard. Pakistan’s music scene is weird in that sense, it is both over and under-saturation.
The expansion of opportunity
The past decade has seen mainstream platforms starting to emerge left right and center. Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement started the trend, with Battle of the Bands, Velo Sound Station and more emerging. They actively feature emerging artists, bridging the gap between grassroots music and corporate backing in the best way possible.
It’s a pretty slow shift, but it signals a growing respect for independent creativity.
A Soundtrack to the Future?
With such a diverse pool of talent, the future of Pakistani music looks bright. The new wave of Pakistani musicians is rewriting the rules in the best way. They’re blending culture with modernity, talent with hard work. They have created their own paths through mixing local dialects with global sounds, creating a unique soundscape . More than just music, they truly represent what’s new in Pakistan at this particular time in our history—raw, rebellious, and refreshingly real.