Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: December 28, 2023 | 
| 中文
Wishes by Hasan Raheem
The year coming to a close in the next few days, saw local music soar even higher than before. While the ripples created by 2022’s Jhoom, Kana Yari, Kahani Suno, Sukoon and of course, the chart bursting Pasoori, continued to be felt throughout 2023, the year offered much more that proved to be a welcome addition to the all-time popular Pakistani music playlist. While Coke Studio, country’s most popular studio music series that comes out with annual seasons remained silent, many unfamiliar and veteran artists presented unforgettable melodies. Atif Aslam and Ali Zafar, who top the charts every year, both supremely talented artists, seemed to be taking it easy. Ali Zafar’s Sushi and Maza Aya got moderate success and Atif Aslam’s Mangan Aiyan, despite its brilliance, remained out of focus due to restrictions imposed on its release platform. This definitely did not mean that Pakistan’s music scene was any quieter in 2023. The gaps were more than filled up by some exceptionally popular drama soundtracks, known as OSTs (Official Sound Tracks), and a whole range of artists. Following is a list of 10 most brilliant songs of this year in no particular order. The selection is based on factors such as popularity, artistic merit and of course personal preferences.
When Tu Hai Kahan was released in June 2023, it took a while to grow on listeners. No one had ever heard of the band ‘Aur’, and most people thought of it to be from across the border. The sound was different, fresh and easy on the ears. Tu Hai Kahan’s popularity steadily grew, particularly amongst generations Z and Alpha. Raffey, Usama and Ahad, who form ‘Aur’, come from humble backgrounds and have been doing jobs from a very young age to help their families. This adds to their appeal. Their music continues to resonate with the young audience like none before. Tu Hai Kahan is trending everywhere, and the teenagers of Pakistan just don’t seem to be getting enough of it.
Tu Hay Kahan by Aur The Band
Hasan Raheem has experienced a rapid rise in his popularity in recent years. With Wishes, the young prodigy reached new heights of creativity. His signature indie pop, R&B and hip-hop style of music, which can also be categorize as lazy-pop, has a soft groovy feel, and Wishes perfectly showcases the Peechay Hutt (Coke Studio -2022) singer’s lilting vocals. Produced by Umair, a young music producer, Wishes has additional vocals by Talwiinder. 25-year-old Hasan Raheem, a native of Gilgit and a doctor by qualification, definitely knows how to bring relief to those who need it. Wishes is prescribed for those who have had a tough day.
Seraiki is one of the sweetest languages mainly spoken in southern Punjab, and understood by a large majority of Pakistanis due to its closeness to widely spoken and understood Punjabi. When vocalist Adnan Dhool brought out his new single Pardes Katenda in July 2023, a folk-inspired Seraiki song about the pain of those who work far away from their homes in distant lands, he not only echoed the emotions of those earning an honest living for themselves and their families, but also for those who were left behind. Folk music and poetry have never failed to cast a spell on people, and the popularity of Pardes Katenda proves that once again.
Pardes Katenda by Adnan Dhool
A Pakistani rapper, songwriter and lyricist, Talha Anjum was born and raised in Karachi and is popular as a member and co-founder of the hip-hop band, Young Stunners, along with Talhah Yunus. Young Stunners are considered founding fathers of Urdu rap. Downer at Dusk, is Talha Anjum’s single produced by Umair. With some soulful verses expressing a mix of conflicting feelings of romance, ambitions and frustrations and departing from Young Stunner’s street vibe, Downer at Dusk has the feel of a ballad, and still evokes the same reflective alienation associated with growing-up.
Downer at Dusk by Talha Anjum
Green TV channel’s serial Kabli Pulao took the airwaves by storm in 2023, and besides its distinct plotline and superlative performances of an unfamiliar lead pair, its OST Ankhain, played a major role in its instant popularity. Sung by music maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan with lyrics by Imran Raza and music by Sahir Ali Bagga, Ankhain is about unspoken conversations between two lovers. With such a heartfelt romantic quotient and the serenading vocals of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the song had everything going for it. Now that the serial has ended, its OST continues to command the same level of admiration.
If there was another television serial that rivaled Kabli Pulao in fan following in 2023, it was ARY Digital’s Tere Bin. The drama serial had the newest heartthrob of the country Wahaj Ali and the powerhouse of talent Yumna Zaidi in the lead, and the chemistry between these two actors was perfectly accentuated by this title track, also titled ‘Tere Bin’. Sung and composed by Shani Arshad, a seasoned film music director, songwriter, jingle composer, playback singer and record producer, the lyrics have been written by Sabir Zafar. Shani, who started his music career at the age of 15, comes from a family of musicians. His great grandfather Ustad Allah Ditta, is considered a maestro as a tabla (an eastern drum that is played with hands rather than sticks) player. Shani’s experience of composing expansive symphonies and his deep throated singing, proved to be a perfect recipe for making Tere Bin OST everyone’s favorite. The intense lyrics about a young man’s pledge to his lady love that he could go to any lengths to win her over, sealed the deal.
This well-known classical qawwali made immortal by the greatest of them all, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was given a new twist by Hadiqa Kiyani in 2023. The fact that Hadiqa chose a familiar composition that everyone already knew and loved, proved to be a sure win. Composed in Raga Bilawal, a morning Raga traditionally performed during the hot season, is considered synonymous with devotion and spiritual transcendence. The composition created the same magic that its original version did. While Nusrat’s rendition is spiritual with divine love at its core, Hadiqa gave it a twist by complementing her version with the a breathtakingly beautiful video that features Wahaj Ali and the effervescent Hania Amir as lovers. With all winning pieces neatly in place, Hadiqa’s proficiency as a singer makes sure that her version also gets a place on every qawwali enthusiast’s playlist.
Jani Door Gaye by Hadiq Kiyani
Ali Sethi’s vocals are becoming increasingly velvety with each passing year. He is very confident and never shies away from pushing his limits as a singer. While those who prefer his more upbeat and modern renditions are still cherishing Pasoori, those who love his vocals the best when he sings ghazals couldn’t ask for anything better than Intiha. Released in November 2023, the haunting melody grips the listener instantly. The fact that Ali chose Allama Iqbal’s poetry for this piece, and sings it with the right level of reverence and minimal music, makes it one of his best numbers.
After scoring her first Grammy in 2022 for Mohabbat in the Best Global Performance category, Arooj Aftab became the first Pakistani to win this coveted prize. Her alternative jazz album Love in Exile was released in 2023, and nominated in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category. One of its songs, Shadow Forces, nominated as Best Global Music Performance for Grammy Awards to be held in February 2024, was produced in partnership with Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily, and this album has been rated as number one by The Guardian in its list of the 10 best global albums of 2023. According to Ammar Kalia who has compiled the list for The Guardian, “Often playing so quietly and with such minimal instrumentation as to be barely audible at all, Love in Exile, is a masterclass in crafting deeply affecting arrangements with only voice, keys and bass”.
(L to R) Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily pose for their album, Love in Exile
HUM television’s serial Ishq Murshid, is the newest rage and its title track, Tera Mera Hai Pyar Amar’ is the latest anthem for those in love. With a foot tapping melody and simple lyrics, it is a brainchild of Ahmed Jahanzeb, who shot to fame about 8 years ago with Kaho Ik Din, but then mostly stayed under the radar. In Ishq Murshid OST Ahmed Jahanzeb finds his magic as a composer and with a bang.
As 2023 draws to a close, these melodies are sure to continue ringing in our ears for many years to come. Can’t wait to hear what 2024 has to offer while rooting for Arooj Aftab and wishing many more wins for local singers, composers and music producers.
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