Spotify Wrapped 2023: Atif Aslam remains the most streamed Pakistani artist

As the year draws to a close, it’s time for Spotify’s 2023 Wrapped to unveil how Pakistanis listened to music this year. Year 2023 showcased 82% growth of local music consumption and sonic diversity across the charts. Spotify’s top lists reflect various trends and the overall expansion of music as the music streaming giant continues to grow its user base.

This year saw Atif Aslam and Talha Anjum retain their respective spots at the helm among the top local artists, joined by a host of emerging talents like Umair, Abdul Hannan, and Rovalio, and seasoned artists including Talhah Yunus, Asim Azhar and Young Stunners. The legendary “Shehnshah-e-Qawwali”, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, still holds an unflinching place in the hearts of audiences along with his nephew and renowned Sufi artist, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, completing the list of top 10 most streamed local artists.

The list of top artists shows the eclectic taste of Pakistani listeners, with Arijit Singh securing the top spot, followed by Pritam, AP Dhillon, Shubh, and Sidhu Moose Wala, the artist from across the border receiving immense posthumous love from streamers. Local favorites Atif Aslam and Talha Anjum also share the limelight with global sensations like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd on this list.

From Kaifi Khalil’s “Kahani Suno 2.0” to Talha Anjum’s “Downers at Dusk“, the top tracks reflect the varied musical palette of Pakistani listeners. “Kahani Suno 2.0” has topped not just the local charts as the most streamed track in Pakistan but is also this year’s most streamed Pakistani song globally. Ali Sethi and Shae Gill’s “Pasoori” although still making its way into the top five most streamed local tracks of the year, has been overtaken by Abdul Hannan with three of his tracks, namely “Iraaday”, “Bikhra” and “Siyah” that complete the top five. Fresher voices from a host of upcoming local talents like AUR’s “Tu Hai Kahan” and Hassan & Roshaan and Shae Gill’s “Sukoon”, along with Azaan Sami Khan’s “Ik Lamha”, Talha Anjum and Umair’s “Downers at Dusk” and Asim Azhar’s “Jo Tu Na Mila” made it to the list of top 10 most streamed Pakistani songs.

According to this year’s Wrapped data, Shae Gill retains her position as the most streamed Pakistani woman artist, followed by Momina Mustehsan, Abida Parveen, Quratulain Balouch, Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, Nazia Hassan, Hadiqa Kiani, Salma Agha and Farida Khanum all of whom are making a significant impact on the local music scene.

The local albums that have been capturing hearts of the listeners feature sensations like Talha Anjum’s “Open Letter“, Hassan & Roshaan’s “Day 5” and Azaan Sami Khan‘s “Main Tera“, with Talha Anjum’s “Open Letter” also coming out as the 2nd most streamed album in Pakistan making it to the list of top 5 most streamed albums in the country alongside Shubh’s “Still Rollin“, Sidhu Moose Wala’s “Moosetape”, The Weeknd’s “Starboy” and Arijit Singh’s “Ultimate Love Songs – Arijit Singh”. The local playlists that garnered attention of fans include Hot Hits Pakistan, Pakka Hit Hai, Desi Hits, Shaadi Hits and International Hits showcasing Spotify’s curated diversity.