Blockbuster playlist

Faris Shafi is a groundbreaking Pakistani rapper, songwriter, and actor known for his raw, multilingual lyricism and fearless commentary on identity, politics, and society. Faris has carved a distinct niche in South Asia’s hip-hop scene. His breakout moments include the Coke Studio hit Blockbuster (2022) featuring Umair Butt and the Gharvi group, and the bold cross-border collaboration Jashan-e-HipHop with Indian rapper Raftaar. Known for blending Urdu, Punjabi, and English with sharp, poetic delivery, Faris Shafi continues to push boundaries and redefine Pakistani rap with an unfiltered, genre-bending voice.

Annural Khalid, a Pakistani singer, songwriter, and musician from Islamabad, has gained prominence for her unique blend of R&B and pop. In June 2024, she collaborated with Maanu on Jhol, a track that fuses modern sounds, achieving significant acclaim. The song’s music video, directed by Jamal Rahman, narrates a poignant tale of love and longing. Following this success, in March 2025, Annural released Jhol – Acoustic, offering a stripped-down version that highlights the song’s emotional depth. These releases have solidified Annural’s status as a leading figure in Pakistan’s contemporary music scene.

Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, professionally known as Xulfi, is a pioneering Pakistani music producer, composer, and guitarist renowned for revolutionising the country’s music scene. As the producer of Coke Studio Season 14 and 15, he introduced a fresh sound that garnered international acclaim. His production of Pasoori, performed by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, marked a significant milestone as the first Coke Studio song to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, solidifying its place as a global sensation. His work continues to elevate Pakistani music on the global stage, blending diverse genres and introducing fresh talent to a worldwide audience.

Sherry Khattak is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the Pakistani alternative rock band Karakoram, formed in Lahore in 2017. The band gained prominence with their 2018 single Toofaan, followed by Raasta in 2020, both showcasing their neo-progressive rock style. Their debut album, Ailaan-e-Jang (2021), received acclaim for its fusion of distortion, powerful vocals, and dynamic drumming. In 2022, Karakoram collaborated with rappers Talha Anjum and Faris Shafi on Ye Dunya during Coke Studio Season 14, blending Urdu rap with heavy metal and expanding their audience. Later that year, they released Kyun, a collaboration with Hasan Raheem, and Duur, both exploring intimate soundscapes with unique storytelling elements. In March 2023, they unveiled Gol Chakkar, featuring guitarist Faraz Anwar, continuing their tradition of innovative music production.

Zain Zohaib is a qawwali duo from Lahore, Pakistan, made up of brothers Zain Ali and Zohaib Ali, grandsons of Ustad Haji Rehmat Ali Khan, who performed with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Blending traditional Sufi qawwali with contemporary sounds, they rose to fame with their 2016 Nescafé Basement performance of Haiderium, followed by the Coke Studio hit Thagyan (2022) featuring Quratulain Balouch. Their global breakthrough came with Ranjheya Ve, which reached #9 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Global chart. Their latest album, Back to Live (2025), continues their genre-bending journey, bridging generations with a sound rooted in heritage and innovation.