Pakistan Super League, better known as PSL, is in its sixth year and like always, has taken off with the release of its annual anthem. While the first three seasons had Ali Zafar at the forefront, the following two years saw Fawad Khan with Young Desi (2019) and then Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Haroon and Asim Azhar in 2020. The anthems have always been cause for uproar, good and bad.

This year the anthem has arrived with aplomb. A showcase of gender equality with artists representing multiple genres, the single features Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners.

‘Groove Mera,’ meant to appeal to a huge contingent of fans, is fresh, colourful and diverse. It is a showcase of emerging artists, superstar and a neglected voice that deserves a lot more projects in the mainstream. Altogether, this is a song that is not pandering to the awaam but is genuinely dynamic, full of colour that can be embraced irrespective of the new normal. A cool combination of voices that serve as a solid representation of where Pakistani music stands at present, it must be applauded.

The ‘Groove Mera’ video also features a crop of high profile Pakistani players such as Shadab Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz who represent the various franchises.

Speaking about the anthem, Naseebo Lal said, “It feels great to be a part of the anthem because I have never done a song like this where I have enjoyed myself so much.”

The very popular Aima Baig said in a statement: “I feel overwhelmed - it’s been an amazing journey and I’m really thankful for the opportunity. The vibe of the anthem is very street and urban with elements of festival EDM.”

Talha Younis from Young Stunners was just as honoured. He noted: “I’m honoured to be a part of the HBL PSL 6 anthem and it’s been an excellent experience. This time the HBL PSL has tried something different and out-of-the-box.”

It’s good to see the sonic landscape evolve and diverse genres come together for a platform as big and exciting as PSL while keeping in mind the pandemic Covid-19 and creating a video that is nuanced enough to subtly point out the new normal.

Azaan Sami Khan to release an album called Main Tera

Azaan Sami Khan, still in his twenties, has accomplished a great deal. But the young man associated with films like Superstar and Parey Hut Love (among others) has decided to concentrate all his efforts on a new album.

Titled Main Tera, the album is said to be a collaborative effort that includes 63 musicians and technicians from five countries.

Featuring nine songs such as ‘Main Tera’, ‘Maahiya’, ‘Dholna’, ‘Jaadugari’, ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Ik Lamha’, ‘Meri Sajna Re’ (ft. Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan), ‘Zama’ and ‘Tu’, the record will also include some acoustic versions.

Collaborations include artists from Pakistan, United Kingdom, Macedonia, Turkey and India.

While Khan has made music for movies, the album, he says, is a much more personal narrative that will allow him to connect with listeners. It is also Hum TV’s first foray into music with the album scheduled to be released by Hum Music and Azel Records.

Much more curious is the fact that Azaan Sami Khan has taken over songwriting and vocal duty, something he hasn’t done before. The first single will be out by the time you read this. In some ways, this will be a litmus test for Azaan, whose musical scores for high profile films have usually done well. But whether he can carve an individual identity outside of film music, the rise or fall of Main Tera will tell.

Jugaar Records launches with Rudoh’s Vinland in Space

Jugaar Records, a merger between Bilal Nasir Khan aka, Rudoh (formerly of Karachi-based label Forever South) and Sameer Arshad of Soundistan (based in Bangkok) has very interesting ideas about what the new label represents.

In a press statement, it was stated, “With origins in Pakistan and rooted in the South Asian problem-solving mentality, “Jugaad” – the label aims to present fresh, forward-thinking sounds of the region without compromising on quality, bending the rules to achieve much with little.”

Both Bilal Nasir Khan and Sameer Ahmed have been significant players in the counterculture movement.

Coming together to form Jugaar Records, their first release is Vinland in Space by Rudoh that is accompanied by a “gameplay inspired custom video for single ‘Van Turbo’; a 7-minute epic that brings the story of the track to visual life through the beauty of a 3D platformer game, exclusively built from scratch by a developer in Unity.”

According to Resident Advisor, “‘Van Turbo’ is “fresh and atmospheric electro in touch with its early hip-hop roots.”

As Jugaar Records notes, while the first release is Rudoh’s EP, they have larger plans that include “a series of EPs from handpicked Asian acts (has been) lined-up for release in the coming seasons.”

Forever South, the Karachi label that has released a slew of EPs from a number of local artists, is defunct. With Juggar Record's initial plans, it seems that they will continue the counterculture music movement in and across Southasia while collaborating with artists that promise potential.