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Kaifi Khalil

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Kaifi Khalil
Born (1996-09-02) 2 September 1996 (age 27)
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Composer
Years active2016–present
Known forKahani Suno 2.0

Kaifi Khalil (Urdu: کیفی خلیل; born 2 September 1996) is a Pakistani Baloch singer-songwriter and composer based in Karachi.[1] He rose to prominence in 2022 after his debut in Coke Studio's Balochi song "Kana Yaari".[2][3] His song "Kahani Suno 2.0" topped Spotify charts in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.[4][5][6][7]

Life and career

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Kaifi was born and raised in Karachi's neighborhood of Lyari to a family of Baloch musicians.[8] He lived a relatively troubled childhood with financial troubles after his father died, and frequently skipped school.[9]

In 2015, he started his own YouTube channel and uploaded his first video in 2016. His first song was a cover of "Mani Tawe Dost," a Balochi tune.[10]

He used to upload covers of songs and original music by him on his YouTube channel before being discovered in 2022 by Coke Studio's music producer, Xulfi. He wrote and composed his verse in "Kana Yaari" three years prior to releasing it on the Coke Studio platform, singing alongside artists Eva B and Abdul Wahab Bugti.[11][12]

Since its release in 2022, his Urdu language song "Kahani Suno 2.0" continues to be the top song for Spotify charts in Pakistan with 350 million plus streams to date. It also topped charts in Bangladesh and became a trending song in neighbouring India. The song's top countries for listeners include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, US and Canada.[13]

Its music video also secured a spot in YouTube's Top 10 Global Charts peaking at number 8, the first Pakistani music video to do so.[14][15] It is also listed among the most-viewed Pakistani YouTube videos.

In 2023, he announced his first international tour in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During one of his interviews at Saudi Arabia, the artist disclosed his liking for Prague and plans to visit the city soon.[16]

He has a vast discography with multiple songs, including Dilbar Dila Bide, Afsos, Beqaraar, Jungle Jungle, Tauba Tauba, Drog and Kadi Kaye.[17]

Other singles released by Kaifi include Baali Guraab (2021), Kadi Kaye (2021) and Mast (2022).[18]

Artistry

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He is recognized for putting a contemporary spin on traditional Balochi folk music with modern day music.[19][20]

References

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  1. ^ Haleem, Soomal (9 June 2022). "'Kana Yaari' is just a pit stop on Baloch singer Kaifi Khalil's journey". Dawn. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Pakistani music in 2022: How newbie artists proved they're here to stay". The Express Tribune. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Not language, but music unites: Fans can't stop grooving to Balochi track 'Kana Yaari'". The Express Tribune. 20 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Kaifi Khalil sings 'Kahani Suno' for Ahsan Khan". The News International. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Top Pakistani tracks of 2022". Daily Times. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  6. ^ "Kaifi Khalil's 'Kahani Suno' bags a spot in Youtube's top global music video charts". Daily Pakistan. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  7. ^ Ali, Imtiaz (9 January 2023). "Singer Kaifi Khalil denies being injured at Karachi Eat, slams harassment of women by individuals lacking 'decency'". Dawn. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  8. ^ "Kaifi Khalil tops local charts on Spotify with over 19 million streams". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  9. ^ "Kana Yaari Singer Kaifi Khalil Shares Struggles He Faced In Real Life". Reviewit.pk. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  10. ^ Web Desk (21 June 2022). "Kaifi Khalil and his life after "Kana Yaari"". Aaj English TV. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  11. ^ Essa, Sheroz (19 June 2022). "'Jabse Hosh Sambhala Hai, Main Gaa Raha Hoon' – Kaifi Khalil Shares His Musical Journey". Parhlo. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  12. ^ Web Desk (12 December 2022). "Singer Kaifi Khalil talks about false perception of Lyari". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  13. ^ "Kaifi Khalil tops local charts on Spotify with over 19 million streams". The Express Tribune. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  14. ^ News Desk (26 February 2023). "Kaifi Khalil thanks fans for their support as 'Kahani Suno 2.0' bags spot in YouTube top 10 global videos". The Current. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Beyond borders: Kaifi Khalil's 'Kahani Suno' trending globally". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  16. ^ "Sensational Pakistani singer delights Jeddah audience with hit songs". Arab News. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  17. ^ "WATCH – Indian influencer Faisal Sheikh croons Kaifi Khalil's 'Kahani Suno'". en.dailypakistan.com.pk. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  18. ^ Web Desk (21 June 2022). "Kaifi Khalil and his life after "Kana Yaari"". Aaj English TV. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  19. ^ "Kaifi Khalil". Fankar Online. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  20. ^ Alam, Sher (16 January 2023). "Kaifi Khalil's Kahani Suno 2.0 Makes it to YouTube's Top 100 Global Chart". Lens. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
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