The audio streaming platform showcases region-based listenership stats from each province of the country
Karachi,
February 23, 2023 – Marking
its 2nd anniversary in Pakistan, Spotify has revealed interesting
insights about the local market, creatively highlighting a region-based
breakdown of where audience interests lie. With all provinces unanimous in
their love for Atif Aslam, making him the most
streamed local artist throughout, the data offers a unique perspective for
music listeners across the country.
Sindh – What are music lovers
listening to?
With
Atif Aslam being the most streamed
local artist, Young Stunners, together with Hassan Raheem, Asim Azhar and Abdul Hannan completed the top 5 local
artist list. In terms of tracks, Pasoori remained the most streamed
track in Karachi and Hyderabad, while it was the fifth most streamed song in
Sukkur.
According
to data revealed by Spotify, once again, music transcended land borders with King’s “Tu Aake Dekh Le” being the second most
streamed song in Karachi and Hyderabad. While “Iraaday” and “Bikhra”, two stunning chart toppers from Abdul Hannan and Rovalio followed by AP Dhillon’s “Excuses” completed the top 5 list
for Karachi, Hyderabad had Bikhra, followed by Excuses and Kaifi Khalil’s “Kahani Suno 2.0” in the top 5 tracks.
The music being loved in Punjab
The
love for Pasoori continues to be unflinching
across Pakistan. It comes as no surprise then that the track is amongst the top
5 most streamed songs in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and
Sialkot. Other tracks that completed the leading five list in most cities of
Punjab included “Excuses” and “Insane” by AP Dhillon, “295” by Sidhu Moosewala and “Bikhra”.
In
local top tracks charts, Kaifi Khalil’s “Kahani Suno 2.0” has been a notable addition
receiving love across the province. Ranked among the top 5 most streamed songs
in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Sialkot. Other tracks
that have garnered immense admiration from audiences across the province
include “Bikhra”, “Iraaday”, “Ghalat Fehmi” by Asim Azhar, and “Gumaan” by Young Stunners.
As
for the most streamed local artists, Atif Aslam at the top was followed by Young Stunners, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hassan Raheem and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakthunkwa –
The songs of Pakistan’s western Provinces
While Atif Aslam reigned supreme as the most streamed
local artists in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Abdul Hannan made his way
to the second berth Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Young Stunners, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Asim Azhar completing the lineup. As
for Balochistan, the list saw Asim Azhar make an appearance at the
third spot after Atif Aslam and Young Stunners. Rahet Fateh Ali Khan and Abdul Hannan were the fourth and fifth
most streamed local artists in the province.
In terms of top tracks, the local sensation, Eva B has made a mark for herself
with Kana Yaari in Quetta, Balochistan.
Other most streamed songs in both provinces remain the same as what audiences
from Punjab are listening to.
The Usurping Love for Korean Pop
A
surprising insight that Spotify’s recent data revelations showcased was an
unfathomable love amongst audiences for K-pop. BTS in particular, are amongst
the top 5 most streamed artists in Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as
Balochistan. Cities including Islamabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Karachi,
Peshawar and Quetta all showcased immense love for the teen band. In Sukkur,
three out of the top five most streamed songs are k-pop.
This
trend underlines the diversity in music tastes that the music streaming service
is allowing listeners to explore. At the same time, it demonstrates how
audiences are changing perspectives especially when it comes to music
consumption in Pakistan. Tracks like “Yet to Come”, “Dreamers”, the official FIFA Qatar
World Cup 2022 soundtrack and “Dynamite” are amongst the leading
k-pop tracks in the country.