Spotify recently launched its ICON Pakistan program at a special event in Karachi, celebrating the country’s musical legacy. The event showcased iconic music from Pakistan dating back to the 1950s and culminated in the announcement of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as the first Spotify ICON Pakistan artist.
Many celebrities, artists, and influencers attended the event to honor Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and celebrate Pakistan’s rich music history. The Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager at Spotify, Khan FM, highlighted Nusrat’s immense influence on music globally, with over 800 million streams and nearly 60 million hours of his music listened to on Spotify.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, known as the Shehenshah-e-Qawwali, continues to inspire listeners with his soulful music. Since Spotify’s launch in Pakistan, there have been over 900,000 searches for his music, making him one of the top Pakistani artists on the platform. His collaborations with international artists and unique blend of traditional qawwali and contemporary sounds have garnered him a diverse and global fan base.
A new short film produced by Spotify premiered at the event, highlighting Nusrat’s enduring influence and the blend of nostalgia and modernity that the ICON Pakistan program aims to bring to audiences. The exhibition will be open for a few weeks for those interested in exploring Pakistan’s musical journey.
Through ICON Pakistan, Spotify aims to bridge the gap between generations by honoring legacy artists and introducing their music to new audiences. This launch is just the beginning of a series of campaigns that will feature more legendary figures from Pakistan’s music history, showcasing the country’s rich musical heritage to the world.
