Faith, rhythm, and the road ahead

KARACHI:

Spotify has announced singer-songwriter Samar Jafri as its 'RADAR Pakistan' artist for the fourth quarter of 2025, recognising his growing influence among young listeners and his steady rise on the global music scene.

As part of Spotify's global artist development programme, Jafri will be featured in a special mini-documentary highlighting his creative evolution, inspirations, and personal milestones that have shaped him into one of Pakistan's most promising emerging voices.

Jafri, who first gained attention with his soulful singles 'Main Rahun' and 'Guzaarishein', has amassed more than 23 million streams, with 'Main Rahun' alone crossing 14 million plays.

His music has found listeners not only in Pakistan but also in Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the UAE. Over half of his audience falls within the 18–24 age group, reflecting his strong connection with younger listeners.

Expressing gratitude over the recognition, Jafri said, "As an independent artist, this truly feels like the beginning of something I've been dreaming about for years. I've been making music for over six years now, but it took a lot of courage to start putting out originals. Seeing my songs connect with so many people, especially through Spotify, means everything to me. I've always believed that God is with the patient, and this moment feels like a reminder of that."

Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify's Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan and the UAE, called Jafri "a remarkable talent and a fitting choice to close out 'RADAR Pakistan' Season 2025," adding that Spotify is excited to share his story with even more listeners through the platform. Through its RADAR initiative, Spotify continues to spotlight emerging artists from across the globe, offering them greater visibility and support. In Pakistan, the programme has become a launchpad for homegrown musicians like Samar Jafri, whose authenticity and sound are now resonating far beyond borders.