Southern Asia is alive with rhythmic beats and soulful tunes as music enthusiasts come together to celebrate their rich culture, heritage, and traditions during South Asian Heritage Month, a joyous occasion that runs from July 18 to August 17. Embracing the region’s musical diversity, Spotify once again uplifts the spirits by highlighting the profound cultural element in the music scene, enriched with unique facets and personal preferences.
Global Popularity of Desi Music:
The beats of Desi music are resonating across the globe, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada leading the pack in terms of streaming preferences. Following closely are Australia and Germany, showcasing the widespread love for this genre.
Surging Desi Music in UAE, Australia, and Canada:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Canada are emerging as hotspots for the increasing popularity of Desi music, with a remarkable growth rate recorded as 72%, 54%, and 50%, respectively, as compared to the previous year.
Thriving Desi Playlists:
Over the past year, the ‘Desi Hits’ playlist witnessed a whopping 55% surge in streams. Surprisingly, 40% of its listenership comes from beyond the borders of South Asia, showing the genre’s universal appeal.
Similarly, the ‘Desi LoFi,’ ‘Desi Hip Hop,’ and ‘Desi Indie’ playlists are attracting global listeners, with 42%, 40%, and 38% of their streams originating from outside the region.
Soul-stirring ‘South Asian Sufi’ Playlist:
The ‘South Asian Sufi’ playlist stands tall with the highest number of streams, captivating hearts as 66% of its listeners hail from distant lands.
Cultural Bridges through Desi Music:
Experts laud Southern Asian countries for firmly establishing their musical presence, successfully connecting singers to a global audience. The rising popularity of South Asian singers and Desi music has resulted in a significant surge in streaming numbers for Desi playlists worldwide.
Spotlight on Ali Sethi and Irfan Junejo:
As part of the Spotlight series for South Asian Heritage Month, Spotify shines the light on Pakistan’s celebrated singer Ali Sethi and renowned influencer Irfan Junejo. Listeners now have the opportunity to explore and cherish their favorite South Asian songs, a privilege to be a part of this vibrant musical journey.
Global Sensations:
According to statistics, Ali Sethi and Shae Gill’s ‘Pasoori’ have taken the world by storm, making it the most-streamed song globally. Close behind, Atif Aslam’s ‘Jeena Jeena’ captivated international audiences.
Pakistani Legends on the Global Stage:
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s mesmerizing voices continue to enchant listeners worldwide. ‘O Re Piya’ and ‘Mere Rashke Qamar’ top the charts as their most-streamed songs abroad.
Cities that Dance to Desi Beats:
Desi music has found a special place in the hearts of music lovers across the globe. Top cities that shower their love on this soulful genre include Dubai, Melbourne, Toronto, New York, and London.
As the South Asian Heritage Month unfolds, Spotify brings a delightful musical extravaganza, connecting cultures and hearts through the magic of Desi music. Embrace the rhythms, melodies, and emotions, and experience the rich tapestry of Southern Asia’s musical heritage, transcending boundaries and bringing joy to listeners worldwide.