If there’s one thing the past year has made clear, it’s that Pakistan’s music scene is no longer predictable. Gone are the days when a handful of mainstream artists dictated the charts.
Today, independent musicians, experimental genres, and even posthumous releases are taking center stage. Late 2024 and early 2025 have been nothing short of revolutionary for the industry, with a surge in streaming numbers proving that audiences are hungry for something new.
For years, pop and soft rock ruled the Pakistani music industry, but 2024 saw hip hop make an unprecedented breakthrough. Talha Anjum, a name once associated with underground rap battles, has now officially topped Spotify’s most-streamed local artists in Pakistan.
This marks a shift in listener preferences; story driven rap with raw, unfiltered lyrics has replaced the polished love ballads that once dominated playlists. Tracks like Downers at Dusk became instant anthems, proving that the younger generation craves music that speaks to their reality.
If 2023 belonged to Kahani Suno, 2024 and early 2025 belong to the new wave of independent artists who have redefined Pakistani music. Jhol by Maanu and Annural Khalid became one of the most streamed songs. Meanwhile, Kaifi Khalil continued to capture hearts with Kahani Meri, a song that’s been described as both heartbreaking and hypnotic.
At the same time, Pakistani music is no longer confined to local listeners. Tu Hai Kahan by AUR not only became a viral sensation but also made waves internationally, getting a nod from Indian playback singers.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this era is how drastically music consumption habits have changed. Spotify reports a 54% increase in local music streaming, and YouTube trends show that more Pakistanis are actively searching for homegrown artists rather than relying on Bollywood imports.
TikTok has also played a crucial role, with viral trends turning lesser known songs into national obsessions overnight, namely songs like Sadqay by Aashir Wajahat, NAYEL, and Nehaal Naseem.
With the industry evolving at lightning speed, one thing is clear: the future of Pakistani music is unpredictable, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
Whether it’s underground rap or indie pop, listeners are proving that they’re open to everything, as long as it’s authentic. If 2024 was about breaking barriers, 2025 looks like it’s about rewriting the rules entirely.