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Ali Sethi returns with ‘Lovely Bukhaar’ and ‘Dil (Awakening)’

Following his global hit ‘Pasoori’, Sethi’s new singles offer a hypnotic blend of genres

Pakistani-American pop icon Ali Sethi has released Lovely Bukhaar and its b-side, Dil (Awakening), marking his first offerings under a new partnership between his label, Zubberdust Media, and The Orchard. Lovely Bukhaar defies classification, weaving hip-hop, Bollywood, flamenco, and punk rock influences to tell a tale of feverish infatuation. Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, the track features guitars by Ria Modak and an evocative soundscape, including police sirens and finger snaps, creating a vivid narrative of love’s intensity. Its companion piece, Dil (Awakening), reinterprets a traditional ghazal through modern, glitchy textures, evoking the essence of Punjab.

Sethi’s latest work builds on his global acclaim from Pasoori, which became one of the most-searched songs of 2022, amassing over one billion streams. Known for blending qawwali, ghazals, and contemporary music, Sethi’s artistry bridges tradition and modernity. These tracks offer a glimpse into his forthcoming album, due in 2025, promising a deeply innovative and cross-cultural musical journey.

— Urvashi Bhattacharya

Also read: This unplugged 'Pasoori' performance will make your day