Music

'ZalmiRaalal': Peshawar Zalmi's PSL 8 anthem isn't 'Kingdom' and it doesn't have to be

While Abdullah Siddique has set the blueprint for anthems, Naughty Boy's take is pretty slick on its own

Entertainment Desk February 17, 2023

Time and again, Peshawar Zalmi has proved that it's a mile ahead of the curve compared to its rivals when it comes to marketing strategies.

Thus, the anthem we all had been waiting for has finally dropped and the track was well worth the wait. Peshawar Zalmi has unveiled its star-studded anthem for the Pakistan Super League's eighth installment.

ZalmiRaalal, composed by Naughty Boy, has been sung by Bilaal Avaz, Zahoor and Nescafe Basement's famed singer, Altamash. The track also features Khumaariyan.
ZalmiRaalal sees the return of Peshawar Zalmi ambassadors Mahira Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi, including Zalmi's latest signing, Babar Azam, and head coach Darren Sammy.

At first glance, ZalmiRalaal bears an uncanny resemblance to its predecessor, the PSL 6 track, Kingdom. However, Zahoor's Pashto chorus makes it all the more interesting. Bilaal's rap brings out the 'cool' vibe Zalmi anthems are known for and Altamash's screems play an integral part as well.
Khumaariyan's Rubab would also take the listeners back to the scenic locales of KPK. While Abdullah Siddique has undoubtedly set the blueprint for what anthems should sound like, Naughty Boy's ZalmiRalaal is pretty slick on its own. ZalmiRalaal isn't Kingdom and it doesn't have to be!

The video sees Zalmi stars Mahira and Hamza prominently as well. The Raees star, dressed in a figure-hugging all-black outfit, shakes a leg while her The Legend of Maula Jatt co-star almost reprises his Noori Natt avatar minus the beard and outfit as the actor could be seen entering the clip after mounting a horse.

Babar's piercing gaze does the magic while Darren could be seen prepping for the tournament. Peshawar Zalmi's PSL 8 anthem might not have Esra Bilgic or Hania Aamir, but it still manages to strike a chord with the listeners.