Karachi, – As Pakistan's wedding season swings into high gear, Spotify is matching the festive mood with its curated “Shaadi Hits” playlist, experiencing a remarkable 207% surge in listenership since August. The playlist, part of the larger “Shaadi” destination on Spotify, features a wide array of tracks that set the tone for various wedding celebrations, including mehndi and dholki ceremonies, rehearsals, and the grand entrance of the bride and groom.
According to Spotify, the "Shaadi Hits" playlist has become the preferred choice for wedding enthusiasts, featuring top-streamed tracks like "London Thumakda," "Laung Da Lashkara," and "Sadi Gali." The playlist also includes local hits such as "Nach Punjaban," "Chhalawa," and "Pasoori," providing an authentic and unforgettable soundtrack for the myriad events of a typical desi wedding. Other popular wedding playlists on Spotify include "Punjabi Wedding," "Mehndi Hits," and "Shaadi Bhangra," each catering to different aspects of the wedding celebrations.
This wedding season, new hit tracks like "Chaleya" by Anirudh Ravichander, Arijit Singh, Shilpa Rao and Kumaar, and "Heeriye" featuring Jasleen Royal, Arijit Singh and Dulquer Salmaan, have gained prominence, perfect for dance practices. Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Senior Editor for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, emphasized the integral role of music in Pakistani weddings, highlighting its significance in every ceremony, from lively Tappay during Dholkis to chart-topping hits on the Mehndi dance floor. Spotify's mission, she noted, is to curate music that resonates with every cultural mood and moment, leading to the creation of a Shaadi Hub with seven distinct playlists.
Top artists on Spotify during Pakistan’s wedding season include Arijit Singh, Pritam, AP Dhillon, Atif Aslam, and Gurinder Gill. The local music scene is highlighted by stars such as Atif Aslam, Abdul Hannan, Kaifi Khalil, and the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Spotify also reported an annual increase of 78% in user playlists containing keywords like 'shaadi,' 'dholki,' 'mehndi,' and 'baraat.' These playlists, created by desis worldwide, underscore a global celebration of the Shaadi season, even among those living abroad. With over 156,000 user playlists globally and 7,000 in Pakistan alone dedicated to weddings, the excitement of the Shaadi season clearly transcends geographical boundaries.
As the wedding season continues, Spotify stands as a musical companion, ready to enhance every moment with its diverse and vibrant selection of tunes. Whether for dance practice, wedding playlist curation, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, Spotify offers the perfect backdrop for every memorable moment of the season.