The Best Pakistani Singers | Top 10 Music of Pakistan

Who are the best Pakistani singers? Here is our list of the most famous artists who have left indelible marks in the music industry!

Pakistan’s music has a long and rich history, dating back to the days of the Mughal Empire. Over the centuries, the country has produced several renowned musicians and singers who helped shape the Pakistani music scene.

Pakistan’s music is a blend of various influences, including Persian, Arabic, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Afghan. The country’s folk music is particularly popular and is often used to tell stories or express emotions. Sufi music is also popular in Pakistan and is often used as a religious expression.

Pakistani Singers

Pakistan’s music scene has produced several internationally-renowned artists, including the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, considered one of the greatest singers of all time. 

Today, Pakistan’s music scene is thriving, with many talented artists making a name for themselves both domestically and internationally.

 

An Introduction to Pakistani Singers

Pakistani singers have a lot to offer the world. They are incredibly talented, and their voices are truly unique. Pakistani singers also have a rich culture and history to share with the world. Knowing about Pakistani singers can help people better understand the country and its people. Additionally, Pakistani singers are making a name for themselves on the international stage, so it is important to be aware of their contributions to the music industry.

There are many reasons why people should know about Pakistani singers. For one, they are some of the most talented and popular singers in the world. They have a vast repertoire of songs, spanning many genres and styles. Additionally, Pakistani singers are known for their passionate and emotive singing voices, which can touch the hearts of listeners.

Pakistani singers also have a strong connection to their culture and heritage. Their music often reflects traditional Pakistani values and beliefs. This makes their music unique and interesting to listen to. Additionally, Pakistani singers often use their music to promote social and political messages. This can help raise awareness of important issues and inspire people to act.

Finally, Pakistani singers are just plain fun to listen to! Their music is upbeat and lively, and their voices are full of energy. They always put on a great show, and their music is sure to get people dancing. So why not give Pakistani singers a listen? You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy their music.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Pakistani singers that we think everyone should know about! These artists are immensely talented and have contributed greatly to the Pakistani music industry.

1. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan also known as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (King of Qawwali) was a legendary Pakistani singer who is widely considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time. He was a master of Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music, and his powerful, soulful voice captivated audiences around the world.

Khan is a true virtuoso, and his live performances were legendary. He often improvised and improvised on traditional Qawwali tunes, infusing them with new energy and passion. His unique style of singing was unlike anything anyone had ever heard before, and he quickly became a global phenomenon. Khan’s recordings have been hugely popular, and his music continues to touch the hearts of people all over the world.

Best Songs:

  • Tumhen Dillagi Bhool Jaani Padegi
  • Allah-Hoo, Allah-Hoo, Allah-Hoo
  • Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor
  • Afreen Afreen
  • Sochta hun ke Wo Kitne Masoom the

2. Noor Jahan

Madam Noor Jahan was one of the most popular and successful playback singers in the history of Pakistani and Indian cinema. She was a versatile singer who could sing in both Hindi and Urdu and was equally at home with both classical and folk music.

Madam Noor Jahan’s music was greatly influenced by her homeland of Punjab. She often incorporated traditional Punjabi folk melodies into her songs, and her distinctive style of singing was greatly loved by the people of Punjab. She also had a great love for ghazals, hence many of her songs were in this genre.

Noor Jahan was a true pioneer in the world of Hindi film music. She was one of the first singers to achieve widespread popularity in the Hindi film industry, and her songs are still remembered and loved by many people today.

Best Songs:

  • Chandni Raatein
  • Sayonee Mera Dil Da Jani
  • Mujhse Pehli Si Muhabbat
  • Hamari Sanson Mein Aaj Tak Woh
  • We Ik Tera Pyar

3. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a highly acclaimed Pakistani singer, who is especially known for his Qawwali music. Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s performances are truly mesmerizing. He has a powerful voice that is able to convey the emotion of the lyrics, partially he is a master of improvisation. His voice is said to be “hauntingly beautiful” and his style of singing is unique and instantly recognizable. If you are a fan of world music, undoubtedly you should check out Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s music.

He has been performing since the age of seven and has toured the world many times over, winning numerous awards including the “Best Male Singer” award at the Pakistan Media Awards. Especially, he is also a recipient of the “Pride of Performance” award, one of the highest civilian honors in Pakistan

Best Songs:

  • Zaroori Tha
  • Meray Pass Tum Ho | OST
  • Tumhe Dillagi by Rahat
  • Tere Bin
  • Teri Meri Prem Kahani

Reclaim Your Inbox!

Move newsletters outside to Meco for a clean inbox.

4. Atif Aslam

Atif Aslam is a renowned Pakistani singer and songwriter who has established himself as a leading figure in the Pakistani music industry. A versatile artist, Atif has sung a wide range of songs in different genres, including pop, rock, classical, and Sufi. His soulful voice and melodious tunes have won him a huge fan following not just in Pakistan but also in India and other parts of the world.

He has also composed and sung the soundtrack for several Pakistani films, such as BolJal Pariand WaarIn addition to his musical career, Atif has also appeared in a number of Pakistani films and television dramas.

Coupled with his work in the Pakistani film and music industry, Atif has also been involved in philanthropic work and has performed at various charity events. A recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Atif Aslam is one of the most popular and successful singers in Pakistan. He is loved and admired by fans across the globe for his exceptional talent and charming personality.

Best Songs:

  • Dil Diyan Gallan
  • Tu Jaane Na
  • Tera Hone Laga Hoon
  • Pehli Dafa
  • Main Rang Sharbaton Ka

5. Nazia Hassan

Nazia Hassan was a Pakistani pop singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential singers of her generation in South Asia. Hassan’s career began at the age of 15 when she released her first single, “Aap Jaisa Koi”. The song instantly became a nationwide hit, and Hassan became a sensation overnight. She went on to release a string of successful singles and albums throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Hassan’s music was a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, and her style was often compared to that of Madonna. Nazia’s unique style and charisma made her one of the most successful Pakistani musicians of all time, and her music continues to be popular even today.

This beautiful and talented woman’s untimely death in 2000 at the age of 35 shocked the nation. Her contribution to the Pakistani music industry was immense, and she is still fondly remembered by many

Best Songs:

  • Aap Jaisa Koi
  • Disco Deewane
  • Dosti
  • Dum Dum Dee Dee
  • Lekin Mera Dil

6. Abida Parveen

Abida Parveen is a Pakistani singer of Sufi music. She is widely considered one of the greatest vocalists of her generation. Parveen’s singing style and repertoire are influenced by her Sufi beliefs, indeed she is particularly known for her renditions of kafis, a form of Sufi devotional poetry.

Parveen began her singing career in the 1970s and has since released over 50 albums. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and has performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center and the World Economic Forum. In addition to her music career, Parveen has also been active in promoting Sufi values and Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

She has a large and loyal following both in Pakistan and overseas, her concerts are always eagerly anticipated. Her music has the power to transport listeners to a different realm, and her live performances are truly unforgettable experiences.

Best Songs:

  • Tu Jhoom: Coke Studio 14
  • Aaqa: Coke Studio 9
  • Chap Tilak: Coke Studio 7
  • Yar Ko Hum Ne Ja Ba Ja Dekha
  • Main Nara E Mastana

7. Ali Zafar

Ali Zafar is a Pakistani singer, songwriter, actor, and painter. His work in the Pakistani music industry and Bollywood has earned him widespread acclaim and several awards, including two Lux Style Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and an MTV Europe Music Award.

Ali Zafar is using his platform and recognition to represent the various cultures of Pakistan through his songs. He has become one of the most popular and successful singers in Pakistan, and his songs often reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. In recent years, he has sung songs in a number of different languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pashto. His songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and hope, and his unique voice and style have won him a large and loyal following among Pakistani music fans.

Ali Zafar’s signing style is quite unique. He often uses a lot of hand gestures and facial expressions to convey the meaning of his songs. This makes his performances very lively and entertaining. He is also very good at creating a rapport with his audience, which makes them feel involved in his performances.

Best Songs:

  • Larsha Pekhawar
  • Allay (Munja Mar Wara) 
  • Laila O Laila
  • Ab Khel Jamay Ga
  • Balaghal Ula Bi Kamaalihi

Reclaim Your Inbox!

Move newsletters outside to Meco for a clean inbox.

8. Hadiqa Kiani

Kiani is a hugely popular and respected figure in Pakistan, and her music is loved by fans all over the world. She has achieved great success in her career, selling millions of records and winning numerous awards. Her music is a mix of traditional Pakistani folk music and modern pop.

There are many things that make Hadiqa Kiani an excellent singer. Firstly, she has an incredible voice that is both powerful and emotive. She is able to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing, which is one of the things that makes her so popular. Additionally, she is a very skilled musician and has a great sense of timing and rhythm. She is able to put together catchy and memorable melodies that people can’t help but sing along to. Finally, she is a great performer and knows how to put on a show that will keep her fans entertained. All of these factors come together to make Hadiqa Kiani an excellent singer and one of the most popular musicians in Pakistan.

Kiani has been a UN Goodwill Ambassador and has used her platform to support various charitable causes. She has also been an active advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out against domestic violence.

Best Songs:

  • Boohey Bariyan
  • Jaanay Iss Dil
  • Hona Tha Pyar
  • yaad Sajan
  • Kamli

9. Abrar-ul-Haq

Abrar-ul-Haq is a well-known name in the Pakistani music industry. His music is popular for its catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics. Abrar-ul-Haq has a unique style of music that is a mix of traditional Punjabi folk music and modern pop music. This makes his music appealing to a wide range of listeners. He has been credited with revitalizing Punjabi folk music and bringing it to a new generation of listeners.

Abrar-ul-Haq’s music is also known for its positive messages. His songs often promote peace and harmony. This is something that is very important in today’s world. Abrar-ul-Haq’s music is a breath of fresh air in a world that is often filled with negativity.

Nowadays, Abrar-ul-Haq is using his singing abilities to run his political campaign for his political party Tehreeke-Insaf. He has composed a number of songs specifically for the campaign and is performing them at various events and rallies. His catchy songs and energetic stage presence have helped him gain a following among younger voters.

Best Songs:

  • Tere Rang Rang
  • Nach Punjaban
  • Sanu tere Naal
  • Ithe Rakh
  • Jatt Charya Kacheri

10. Sajjad Ali

Sajjad Ali is a highly talented musician who has made great contributions to the Pakistani music industry. His music is a blend of Eastern classical and contemporary Western music. He has a unique, soulful voice that is able to convey a wide range of emotions. His songs are often based on personal experiences and are able to connect with his listeners on a deep level. He also has a great sense of rhythm and timing, and his music is always very well-produced and polished.

Additionally, Sajjad Ali is an excellent musician and is able to create complex and beautiful melodies. He has a true passion for music and it shows in his work.

Best Songs:

  • Har Zulm
  • Sohni Lagdi
  • Lagaya Dill
  • TERI YAAD
  • Tera Naam: Coke Studio 10

Can’t Get Enough of Pakistani Singers?

Three of these 10 Pakistani singers are considered all-time legends and seven are still active in the music industry.

Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Ali Zafar are considered modern-day greats, with Rahat being the highest-paid artist. For good reason, one of his songs has over 1.3 billion views on Youtube.

Although some of these Pakistani singers may be more popular than others, all of them have helped shape the Pakistani music industry.

I created a Spotify playlist to ensure you can continue enjoying these great artists. You can listen to it below or save it to your Spotify account.

What About Music?

About The Author

Three of these 10 Pakistani singers are considered all-time legends and seven are still active in the music industry.

Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Ali Zafar are considered modern-day greats, with Rahat being the highest-paid artist. For good reason, one of his songs has over 1.3 billion views on Youtube.

Although some of these Pakistani singers may be more popular than others, all of them have helped shape the Pakistani music industry.

I created a Spotify playlist to ensure you can continue enjoying these great artists. You can listen to it below or save it to your Spotify account.

Stay Updated On Articles Like These

If you like this article and want more tips, consider signing up for my newsletter below.

Every two weeks, you will receive book, music, and movie tips from countries worldwide.

For more music posts, check out the best Malian Musiciansmusic from Brazil, or my interview with Mexican musician Leonardo Prieto.

Sign up for our newsletter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cultural Reads

Would you like to receive a bi-weekly movie, music & book recommendation from all around the world?