The top music streaming service in the world, Spotify, is commemorating its second anniversary in Pakistan with a variety of fascinating musical insights. Since its inception in 2021, Spotify has completely changed the local music scene, spotlighting up-and-coming musicians and showcasing the nation’s top exports. It has also seen a 217% surge in musical exports.
Top Spotify Exports Across Borders
According to Spotify’s listener data-driven insights, Atif Aslam has emerged as the platform’s most exported artist over the last two years. Other Pakistani legends such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Ali Sethi made the top five most streamed artists, with their international reach growing significantly on Spotify since its inception.
Bringing New Voices to the Foreground
Fresh Finds, a playlist collection that features emerging artists from various genres, has catapulted many young artists to international acclaim. Unsigned and emerging artists, such as Abdul Hannan, who was the first to appear on Fresh Finds Pakistan, have gained traction on Spotify’s charts. Hannan’s songs “Bikhra” and “Iraaday” have been trending on Spotify’s Top Songs Pakistan chart, with “Bikhra” peaking at number one. Rovalio, who worked with Hannan on “Bikhra” and “Iraaday,” came in second, followed by Hassan & Roshaan, Rozeo, and Izzchughtai.
Pakistani Women Musicians Taking on the World with EQUAL
Spotify launched EQUAL Pakistan in March 2022, a platform that promotes female musicians from Pakistan on the global stage. Every month, a local voice is chosen as Ambassador of the Month and featured on a digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square. From Pakistan’s first Grammy winner, Arooj Aftab, to Shae Gill, who is responsible for the global hit “Pasoori,” Spotify has recognized some of the country’s most influential female artists. Shae Gill ranked second among new artists, according to Spotify data.
Top of the Charts
Spotify has become the go-to platform for music lovers in Pakistan since its launch, with constantly growing music streams. According to data released by the streaming service on its second anniversary, “Pasoori” is the most streamed track in the country, followed by “Bikhra” and “Iraaday.” “Kahani Suno 2.0” by Kaifi Khalil has climbed the charts, making it into the top four local songs. Atif Aslam is the most popular artist, followed by Young Stunners, Hassan Raheem, Abdul Hannan, and Asim Azhar.
Spotify’s second anniversary in Pakistan demonstrates the company’s dedication to promoting local talent and highlighting Pakistan’s rich musical heritage. Music fans in Pakistan can expect even more exciting developments in the future as Spotify continues to revolutionize the local musical landscape.
