Exploring the Finest Music Releases of January, 2024
“I awoke at the moment of the miraculous event, Heard a song that brought clarity to the chaos, All I had lost now found its way back to me, The most exquisite melody I had ever heard.” – Excerpt from ‘The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)’ by U2
In the era predating social media, music tracking was simpler. You’d stroll into a nearby store, grab a cassette or its successor, the audio CD, and there you had it – the latest offerings from a select few artists.
But times changed.
In 2009, Overload shook things up by dropping their second album, “Pichal Pairee,” online. Back then, Pakistan had roughly 17.5 million internet users.
Overload wasn’t alone in this shift. Mekaal Hasan Band also went digital, releasing their second album, “Saptak,” first on CDbaby.com, then on iTunes and Amazon.
With a population nearing 180 million, this marked a period where artists, liberated from monopolistic record deals, began dipping their toes into the digital realm.
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape is vastly different. According to a report by Statista, which delves into data from over 150 countries and 100+ industries, the numbers have skyrocketed.
In 2024, households with internet access stand at 17.11 million. Mobile internet usage hits 28.38 million. Total internet users in Pakistan reach 68.84 million. Overall, internet penetration in Pakistan is estimated at 28.07 percent in 2024.
These figures elucidate the transition from analog to digital music consumption, ushering in an era where social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, and Google play integral roles in the music market. Tracking Pakistani music’s trajectory no longer requires sleuthing.
The advent of social media platforms has provided countless artists, whether backed by record deals or not, with a stage to create music. This surge has birthed and reshaped numerous record labels.
Consequently, there’s been a significant uptick in the number of artists creating music in Pakistan. Gone are the days when influential pop musicians could be counted on one’s fingers or by the decade. The scene has expanded beyond such limitations.
This transition signifies that numerous songs are released each year, with many flying under the radar of publications like this one.
Here, then, is an endeavor to spotlight some of the most captivating artists and songs that emerged in the first month of the new year.
While we acknowledge that we cannot cover every single artist and song, these are just a few individuals destined for great success in the months and years ahead.
“I receive so much I don’t deserve… All the stolen voices will someday be returned.” – Excerpt from ‘The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)’ by U2
Let’s begin with Kaifi Khalil. Though he gained recognition for his collaborative Coke Studio debut, ‘Kana Yaari’ (with Eva B and Abdul Wahab Bugti) in 2022, his subsequent singles post-Coke Studio, such as ‘Kahani Suno 2.0’ and ‘Mansoob,’ have proven there’s much more to him than one hit wonder.
In January, Khalil released ‘Jurmana,’ a track he wrote, composed, and produced himself, collaborating with Lil AK 100 on the music and lyrics. Lil AK 100, from Lyari, has been a previous collaborator of Khalil’s.
The song itself captivates with its raw emotion and introspection, showcasing Khalil’s versatility across genres. Its production is understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to shine. It’s a poignant piece that resonates in an increasingly tumultuous world.
Moving on, we encounter Eva B, arguably the most distinctive voice in rap music today. Her collaboration with Mudassar Qureshi on ‘Qasai’ is a bold statement within the hip-hop genre. The track exudes confidence and skill, challenging anyone who underestimates their prowess.
This signifies a changing of the guard in the music industry, with a new wave of artists possessing both talent and tenacity. Eva B’s performance in ‘Qasai’ asserts her dominance in a male-dominated realm, while Qureshi matches her energy stride for stride.
Other notable releases in January include ‘Jeena Nahin’ by Bilal Ali and Maria Unera, a soul-stirring duet that prompts introspection, and ‘Bayrangi’ by Sounds of Kolachi and Ahsan Bari, a spiritual journey encapsulated in a single song.
These tracks encapsulate the essence of Pakistani music in the first month of the new year. In a world beset by challenges, they offer solace, poetry, and a glimpse of the boundless potential of Pakistani music.
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