s we enter the month of September, the music stories remain captivating. The music scene is so dynamic that it can be difficult to keep track of all the artists and the releases. Being a musician in Pakistan is undoubtedly challenging. We lack venues that provide a great experience for both artists and audiences.

While smaller shows are relatively easier to organize, larger concerts are hindered by the lack of suitable venues. Nevertheless, many artists have found ways to overcomes these obstacles and become influential figures. Younger artists have cultivated dedicated fan bases, while veteran names continue to impress both new and longtime audiences.

More and more Pakistani artists are performing abroad and at festivals within Pakistan. However, at some of these festivals, the focus on food often overshadows the music.

There are also controversies and issues that need to be addressed at the government level, as arts and culture should not be compromised due to national policies and jingoism. Artists should be allowed to pursue opportunities wherever they have an audience. However, these issues are not the subject of this story.

Despite the challenges faced by the music community, many artists are forward-thinking and deserve recognition.

The track ‘Tu Jhoom’ from Coke Studio 14 is undeniably a resounding success. The song, a collaboration between Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal, first released in January 2022, is still weaving its magic. In this fast-paced world, where we tend to forget songs after just a few months due to the frequency of new releases, ‘Tu Jhoom’ has proven to be unforgettable for both fans and critics alike. ‘Tu Jhoom’ is a part of the EQUAL Pakistan playlist as well as the EQUAL Global playlist. Spotify noted that Abida Parveen’s music is popular worldwide, with significant streams in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

The everlasting magic of Abida Parveen

he is called the Queen of Sufi music. But that title is, in my view, somewhat restrictive. The fact is that there is nothing Abida Parveen can’t do. She can capture the attention of a jaded audience the moment she starts to sing. She can contribute to a soundtrack, whether for a film or television series. She can collaborate with various producers on Coke Studio and consistently mesmerize audiences. She is an inspiration to other superb artists, such as Sanam Marvi and Naseebo Lal. She can perform within the confined space of a studio or go all out as a performer in an open-air concert without needing backing vocalists or a big band. She can perform to raise money for a good cause, drawing in an audience simply because she is performing, and as a result, make a fundraiser an enormous success. She has fans all over the world and when Abida Parveen performs, foreign audiences are spellbound and will come out to see her.

For all these reasons and many more, it comes as no surprise that Abida Parveen is Spotify EQUAL Pakistan’s ambassador for the month of August. Being an EQUAL ambassador means being featured on a Times Square billboard and being part of EQUAL Pakistan playlist. But perhaps more significantly, she is also “EQUAL Global ambassador”. This is an important moment for South Asian representation on the global stage, as confirmed by a press statement from Spotify.

The track ‘Tu Jhoom’ from Coke Studio 14 is undeniably a resounding success. The song, a collaboration between Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal, first released in January 2022, is still weaving its magic. In this fast-paced world, where we tend to forget songs after just a few months due to the frequency of new releases, ‘Tu Jhoom’ has proven to be unforgettable for both fans and critics alike.

‘Tu Jhoom’ is a part of the EQUAL Pakistan playlist as well as the EQUAL Global playlist. Spotify noted that Abida Parveen’s music is popular worldwide, with significant streams in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her audience spans diverse age groups, with a significant portion of listeners between the ages of 18 to 34, demonstrating her broad appeal across generations. Her artistry continues to resonate with both male and female listeners, creating a universal connection through her powerful and spiritual compositions.

As I’ve said, she is an everlasting artist and an inspiration to fans and artists, at home and abroad.

– Coke Studio image (left) by Nadir Firoz Khan

– Abida Parveen’s NYC image (right) provided by Spotify