Kashmir’s musical legacy is as old as its fabled valleys. While the region has faced decades of turmoil and cultural challenges, its women singers have continued to inspire with their powerful voices, resilience, and creative fusion of tradition and modernity. From folk-pop sensations with thousands of followers to pioneering rappers and rock bands, Kashmiri female singers are shaping not just the region’s identity but also making their mark on the national and global stage.
Here, The Azadi Times presents an updated ranking of the top 10 Kashmiri female singers—spanning both Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir—who are redefining what it means to be a music influencer from the valley.
- Instagram Followers: ~48K @aabhahanjura
- Known For: Folk-pop fusion, viral rendition of “Hukus Bukus” (featured in Amazon Prime’s “The Family Man”)
- Highlights: Founder of Sufistication, a band blending Kashmiri lyrics with contemporary sounds. Aabha has become a household name among young Kashmiri music lovers and the diaspora, using her music to revive and modernize Kashmiri folk.
- Why She Matters: With the highest social media following among Kashmiri female singers, she’s a true music influencer bridging generations.
- Bollywood Recognition: Rose to fame with the soulful playback “Dilbaro” in the film Raazi.
- Notable Works: Multiple Bollywood songs, folk revivals, and Sufi collaborations.
- Why She Matters: Though her follower data isn’t public, Vibha’s mainstream success has put Kashmiri music on the national map, making her a key figure among Indian Kashmir singers.
- Awards: Winner of the National Film Award and Filmfare Award.
- Background: A versatile playback singer with credits in Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
- Why She Matters: Shashaa’s classical training and playback prowess have made her one of the most respected Kashmiri female singers in India.
- Title: Malika-e-Ghazal (Queen of Ghazals)
- Known For: Classical Kashmiri music and ghazals.
- Legacy: Decades of contribution to Kashmiri music; has performed internationally.
- Why She Matters: As a veteran, Kailash’s voice remains a gold standard for aspiring singers, influencing generations of Kashmiri music lovers.
- Specialty: Ghazal and folk music.
- Profile: Renowned for her soulful performances and deep connection to Kashmiri classical forms.
- Cultural Impact: Has established a strong presence in regional music festivals and cultural circuits.
- Why She Matters: Shameem’s work preserves the region’s musical heritage, inspiring new artists to embrace traditional roots.
- Title: Nightingale of Kashmir
- Genre: Iconic Kashmiri folk music
- Legacy: Her voice defined the sound of Kashmiri folk for decades, and her songs are still sung in households today.
- Why She Matters: Raj Begum’s life and music symbolize the enduring spirit of Kashmiri women in the arts.
- About: First all-female rock band from Srinagar (members: Noma Nazir Bhatt, Aneeqa Khalid, Farah Deeba).
- Followers: ~205 on Facebook (Pragaash Facebook Page)
- Achievements: Gained global attention for their courage and music, despite being forced to disband due to threats.
- Why They Matter: Pragaash’s story is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of Kashmiri female musicians breaking stereotypes.
- Genre: Sufi vocal duo
- Journey: Moved to Delhi, advocating for freedom of expression through music.
- Recognition: Featured in international media for their activism and artistry.
- Why They Matter: Their Sufi-inspired songs and advocacy for artistic freedom have resonated with young Kashmiris and the diaspora.
- Instagram Followers: ~3.5K (@mahekashraf_)
- Claim to Fame: First female rapper from Kashmir, blending hip-hop with social activism.
- Style: Bold lyrics addressing social justice and women’s empowerment.
- Why She Matters: As the first female rapper from the region, Mehak is pioneering a new wave of Kashmiri music influencers.
- Genre: Rap, hip-hop
- Focus: Human rights, social issues in Kashmir
- Recognition: Featured in youth and music media, gaining respect for her powerful lyrics and activism.
- Why She Matters: Iqra’s emergence marks the growing influence of female Kashmiri rappers in the region’s evolving music scene.
The journeys of these top 10 Kashmiri female singers reflect both the diversity and the resilience of Kashmiri women in music. From the classic ghazals of Kailash Mehra Sadhu to the viral Bollywood hits of Vibha Saraf and the ground-breaking rap of Mehak Ashraf, these artists are united by a commitment to authenticity and cultural pride.
- Aabha Hanjura leads in online followers, making her a digital-era music influencer.
- Mehak Ashraf and Pragaash have smaller but passionate followings, showing that even emerging artists can shape discourse and trends.
- The list includes singers from both Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, highlighting music’s power to transcend boundaries.
- Rappers like Mehak Ashraf and Iqra Nisar are giving voice to a new generation, while veterans like Raj Begum and Shameem Dev Azad ensure that the roots of Kashmiri music remain strong.
As digital access grows and societal barriers are challenged, more Kashmiri women are finding the courage and platforms to share their music with the world. Social media, streaming, and online collaborations have made it easier than ever to access Kashmiri female singers’ work, regardless of where you live.
If you’re searching for “Kashmiri female singers”, “Aabha Hanjura followers”, “Pragaash rock band followers”, “Kashmiri rappers”, or “Kashmir music influencers”, these ten names are leading the way.
- Follow these artists on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
- Stream their songs on major music platforms.
- Share their stories to inspire the next generation of Kashmiri singers—both in India, Pakistan, and beyond.
Kashmir’s musical tradition is in safe hands with these talented women. As they break barriers, win awards, and use their art for activism, the world is taking note. Whether you’re a fan of folk, ghazal, rock, or rap, the voices of these top 10 Kashmiri female singers will move you—and remind us all that art knows no boundaries.
For more features on Kashmir’s culture, music, and artists, follow The Azadi Times and join the conversation on social media.
