Jafar Khan
Karachi: Spotify has announced singer-songwriter Samar Jafri as its RADAR Pakistan artist for the fourth quarter of 2025, recognizing his rapid ascent in the local music scene and his growing influence among young listeners.
As part of the global artist development program, Spotify will feature Jafri in a mini-documentary highlighting his artistic journey, creative process, and the inspirations shaping his sound. The project aims to capture the story behind his music and introduce him to new audiences worldwide.
Jafri’s soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics have struck a chord with listeners across borders. In the past month, his songs have been streamed not only in Pakistan but also in Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the UAE. Listeners aged 18–24 make up more than half of his fan base, with nearly equal engagement from male and female audiences.
His 2025 singles “Main Rahun” and “Guzaarishein” have collectively earned more than 23.3 million streams—with “Main Rahun” surpassing 14 million and “Guzaarishein” crossing 9.2 million since their respective releases earlier this year.
Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan and the UAE, said Jafri represents the best of Pakistan’s emerging talent.
“Samar Jafri is a remarkable artist and a fitting choice to close out RADAR Pakistan Season 2025. We’re excited to spotlight his journey and share his music with even more listeners through this platform,” Yaqub said.
Jafri, reflecting on the recognition, called it a dream milestone.
“As an independent artist, this feels like the start of something I’ve been working toward for years,” he said. “I’ve been making music for over six years, but it took a lot of courage to release my originals. Seeing them connect with so many people is overwhelming in the best way. Being part of Spotify RADAR is one of this year’s highlights for me.”
Spotify’s RADAR initiative supports emerging artists worldwide by giving them access to tools, mentorship, and global visibility. In Pakistan, the program continues to highlight local talent, helping bridge the country’s growing indie music scene with international audiences.
