This year, Pakistani music had its fair share of ups and downs, and while there were many things that kept it underwhelming, there was a lot that made it memorable as well. There was once again, the rise of the indie scene, and music finally came back to the metropolises in the shape of underground and concerts of mass interest.
However, amongst it all, where were the bits and pieces that kept the music high, alive and kicking? Diva has the lowdown…
Best Song of 2019 – Chandni Raat by Ali Sethi
Ali Sethi has proved that 2019 has been a year of his rise, and songs like Chandni Raat reiterated that claim.
Singer of the Year – Jimmy Khan
2018 was the year when Jimmy Khan’s Tich Button was announced, and 2019 was when it came to its full limelight. The singer has done quite a few things which makes him stand out this year, and be it film music or his EP, it all makes him a singer that defined 2019.
Best Emerging Talent – Abdullah Siddiqui
Abdullah Siddiqui came to the scene with a brilliant set of musical aesthetic in the last few years, but 2019 he came into his own. It’s been a brilliant year and we think 2020 will be even bigger.
Best Rendition of a Classic – Dil Ki Khair by Ali Sethi
In 2019, Ali Sethi proved he’s at his aesthetic best and a song like Dil Ki Khair was at the forefront of it all. Ali breathed life into the classic and no one could have done it better.
Best Album of 2019 – Metannoya by Abdullah Siddiqui
Abdullah Qureshi came and conquered 2019 and his album Metannoya is proof. We got to hear a lot of unique music from the singer, and we hope his future albums take inspiration from this as well
Best Comeback – 30 by Strings
Strings celebrated three decades by the end of last year, and this year we saw their comeback to the forefront with the tracks from their album 30.
Best EP of 2019 – Brown Sugar by Shamoon Ismail
Shamoon Ismail has been a name that has become quite the rage in the last few years and this year his EP added to the charm.
Best Sufi-Pop Single of 2019
It’s always a delight to listen to Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam, and when they croon together, it’s even more magical. Pardadari is one such example with its great lyrical prowess and beautiful tunes.
Special Mention – Gandi Si Building
A song which made all the buzz thanks to its powerful lyrics, Mehdi Maloof’s Gandi Si Building is an ode to the dilapidation of urban Karachi. It’s a brilliant song and it surely deserved the attention it got.
Best Song Edit of 2019 – Edit Tribute of Disco Deewane
FDVM was a name Pakistan fell in love with this year, and this rendition of Disco Deewane gives us more reason to love it .
Best Compilation Album – Paanch Mixtape Vol. 1 by Wajiha Ather Naqvi, Babar Sheikh and Ahsan Bari
A compilation which has given a whole new perspective to music in Pakistan, Paanch Mixtape Vol. 1, helmed by Babar Shaikh, Ahsan Bari, Wajiha Naqvi amongst others, is surely a delight to hear in 2019. We now hope 2020 brings more of this style.
Best Qawwali Rendition of 2019
Hamza Akram Qawwal has become a name that has risen to popularity in the last few years, and in 2019 his renditions have become even more viral. If this year was his rise, we’re sure in 2020 it should be his prime.
Which song was your favourite this year? Tell us in the comment section below.