From the Srinagar indie scene and laptop studios in South Kashmir to Sufi voices and film soundtracks, here is a curated look at the Kashmiri music circulating across streaming platforms.
Kashmiri music has seen a steady rise across streaming platforms and digital spaces, driven by independent artists, traditional Sufi performers, and contemporary collaborations. Because public charts for Kashmiri music do not formally track nationwide rankings in the same manner as mainstream global industries, curators rely on public playlists, streaming visibility, and regional popularity to gauge current listening trends.
This curated selection highlights notable tracks circulating on streaming platforms and YouTube, reflecting the diverse range of sounds emerging from the region.
**1. “Jigar Paar” – Numan Baba and Furqan Baba**
Hailing from the Sarnal neighbourhood in South Kashmir, Numan Baba is part of a wave of self-taught musicians blending traditional folk poetry and instruments with hip-hop, rock, and electronic production, largely produced from home setups.
**2. “Madno” – Yawar Abdal**
Yawar Abdal’s vocal work has steadily expanded its reach beyond the region, finding audiences across South Asia and the Kashmiri diaspora in Western countries.
**3. “Lakchaar” – Numan Baba and Furqan Baba**
Another prominent collaboration from the South Kashmir-based duo, appearing frequently on shared playlists among independent music listeners.
**4. “Dilshad” – Yawar Abdal and Sifar**
A collaborative track that sits alongside Abdal’s other widely shared works on digital streaming platforms like Spotify.
**5. “Dil Tsooran” – Masrat Un Nissa and Abhay Rustum Sopori**
This track features as part of the broader project “Songs of Paradise,” bridging classical composition with regional vocal traditions.
**6. “Wasiye Gulan” – Saim Bhat**
A single by independent artist Saim Bhat, representing the contemporary pop and crossover styles gaining traction among younger listeners.
**7. “Asan Kashmiri Aan” – Usman Sultani and Action Committee Tarana**
Released within the current release cycle, this track focuses on themes of cultural identity, heritage, and the emotional connection of Kashmiri people to their land.
**8. “Trum Trum” – Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami**
Featured as part of the independent album “Lost;Found,” showcasing modern arrangements and vocal layering.
**9. “Jaanaan” – Salim–Sulaiman, Raj Pandit, and Gulzar Ahmad Ganaie**
A high-profile cross-border and cross-industry collaboration featured on the platform project “Bhoomi,” bringing traditional Kashmiri folk voices into a contemporary acoustic space.
**10. “Hoshdar” – Noor Mohammad Shah**
Noor Mohammad Shah is a traditional Sufi performer from Handwara in the Kupwara district. His track “Hoshdar,” released via Renzu Music, serves as an introduction to traditional Sufi kalam for a wider digital audience.