If you’re a fan of the talented Pakistani hip-hop duo, Young Stunners, you might have seen the buzz about their upcoming tour in India. Two stars Talha Anjum and Talhah Yunus, who are the Young Stunners have gained a massive following across the border.
Young Stunners’ upcoming performances are in Delhi on December 25, Bengaluru on December 21, and Mumbai on December 13. Skill Box is in charge of organizing the tour and has started accepting pre-registrations for concert tickets, giving priority to those who purchase them early.
However, the rappers have not announced the tour on their social media and have only updated it with updates about their tours in Australia and Canada. And, some Indian social media users are criticizing the event by reposting previous tweets from Talha Anjum’s accounts, which allegedly made fun of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan, attacked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and called for the independence of Kashmir from Indian rule.
The organizer for the Young Stunners’ tour, Desi Disco Entertainment, says that the duo’s shows in India are still on, with registrations open on another website for the Young Stunners Mumbai gig. Vaheed Khan, the director of Desi Disco, stated in an interview with The Print in India, that the controversy was a part of a larger strategy to attack the show for declining to work with certain handles.
Vaheed Khan said, “We won’t let a few negative tweets stop our show. Some social media pages wanted a share of our profits, but we refused to promote them. That’s why they started posting negative tweets. Half of these tweets are fake and have nothing to do with Talha or Pakistan.” Young Stunners have a huge fan following in India, with the largest number of their Spotify listeners from Mumbai (152,583 listeners) and New Delhi (245,000 listeners). While the controversy swirls, fans await an official confirmation from the duo.
Here are the previous tweets of Talha Anjum which created a controversy:
Pakistani Hip Hop band Young Stunners is popular both in Pakistan and India. The duo are super popular across the border and Indian star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is also a fan.
In a recent interview, when Rishabh was asked about his favourite songs, he said, “I don’t have any favourite song, but I like a song named ‘Afsaanay’. I love other songs sung by the same singers.”
The famous music band started their journey 11 years ago with the songs ‘Burger e Karachi’ and ‘Maila Majnu’. The trio include Talha Anjum, Talha Younas, and their music production, Jokhay.
We know y’all were incredibly dissapointed by the lackluster effort that was ICC’s cricket anthem ‘Dil Jashne Bol’ but fear not, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is here to save the day with the absolute banger that is ‘Koi Nahi Like Us’ featuring Young Stunners, QB, HYDR and AHSAN. The verdict is out: cricket ka to pata nahin but we lead the race when it comes to good cricket anthems.
One user on Twitter wrote: “Whether we win or not, Anthem toh winner hai. You’re lying if you didn’t have a blast seeing all the cameos, especially the fan who danced to Atif’s anthem. A HUNDRED points for the cat cameo!”
Whether we win or not, Anthem toh winner hai. You’re lying if you didn’t have a blast seeing all the cameos, especially the fan who danced to Atif’s anthem. A HUNDRED points for the cat cameo! https://t.co/rYvMGpMDGO
Take a page out of our book ICC on how to create hype around cricket events
“The chorus and beat are quite catchy! The video is absolutely amazing with stunning aesthetics, and the lyrics are so relevant! Far better than the song released by ICC,” another user wrote.
The chorus and beat are quite catchy! The video is absolutely amazing with stunning aesthetics, and the lyrics are so relevant! Far better than the song released by ICC https://t.co/CIQypCAmSM
Looks like the world isn’t done witnessing the talent Pakistan has to offer, with entertainers still making ripples across the world. After Ali Sethi, now rappers Young Stunners have made us incredibly proud. Yesterday, it was announced that the band is set to make an appearance along with American rapper Travis Scott at the Wireless Music Festival in Abu Dhabi. Fans of the band expressed their joy on social media on how happy they were to witness Pakistani music going global.
Ali Sethi performing at Coachella, Young Stunners opening for Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert along with Divine. Soothes my soul. Go get it boysss
Ali Sethi performing at Coachella,Young Stunners at Wireless music festival,Joyland in Oscars short list,Maula Jutts commercial success.The music/film/arts seems to be the only industries doing well in this country.But go ahead,let’s ban films,censor artists and give zero funding
After Tum Tum, Asim Azhar and the Young Stunners have collaborated again for another song titled Yaad. The song which released less than 24 hours ago is already trending at number six on YouTube Pakistan.
Yaad has been written, composed and sung by Asim while the Young Stunners have added the rap to the song. The music video has been directed by Asim Hussain and produced by Nafeel Ali.
The song also caught the attention of music maestro Yasir Jaswal, who praised the singers, saying: “Loving the song and the vibe.”
To commemorate Pakistan Resolution Day, Coke Studiohas released a new track Ao Ehad Karain, which presents a concept of peace, hope and celebrates the young and emerging talent of the country.
The track has been produced by Ali Hamza and features a diverse set of musicians from different genres including the Army Brass Band of Pakistan to reinvent the legendary national songs of Pakistan.
“It’s a grand multi-city, multi-producer, 75 artists on board kind of a production and it’s been a 4-month long labour of love putting it together,” says Hamza.
According to a press release, the song has been “envisioned in collaboration with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and begins on an introspective note with Wattan ki Mitti, Gawah Rehna in the voices of Saadat Shafqat, son of legendary singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Zaw Ali, daughter of iconic singer Sajjad Ali.”
These powerful verses are followed by a unique recitation of Sir Allama Iqbal’s poetry done by the veteran artist, Ali Hamza, who provides gravitas to the narration.
Talking about the track Hamza, in a statement, said: “Ao Ehad Karain is a journey through time and emotion. It starts introspectively, looking back in time to when the Pakistan Resolution was passed on March 23, 1940.”
“It then moves through ups and downs, like history has and life does: questions, conflicts, resolutions, awakening, rejuvenation and then celebrates a new beginning at the turn of a new decade – 2021,” adds the singer.
Following Hamza’s recitation, the track moves to the Young Stunners, who give yet another out-of-the-box performance in the words of Sir Allama Iqbal. The Young Stunners recently also received praise for their performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem Groove Mera.
Another unique feature in the track is the introduction of the iconic Army Brass Band, which has been the flag bearer of a long-standing tradition in Pakistani culture.
“They have energized this nation for decades with reverberating performances of national songs of Pakistan,” says the press release while talking about the band.
Meanwhile, the choir is provided by Farwa Batool, Rida Batool, Nabiha Saleem, and Zahab Hussain. Ao Ehad Karain also features Shamu Bai & Vishnu – sibling duo from Sindh and Kashif Din, a young singer from Gilgit-Baltistan.
The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League 6 (PSL6) will commence with a glittering opening ceremony on February 20. The star-studded entertainment-packed event will feature Atif Aslam, Imran Khan, Humaima Malick and the PSL 6 Anthem artists: Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners. The event will also mark Atif and Khan’s first-ever PSL appearance.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), parts of the opening ceremony will be filmed offshore in a specially designed studio space in Turkey. Some artists including Baig have already arrived in Istanbul for the event.
Speaking about the opening ceremony, Director Commercial PCB Babar Hamid said: “This year promises to be really exciting especially the state-of-the-art technology being used to create this experience for Pakistani fans.”
Later, Khan shared his picture on Instagram with a caption, “Aj wekhe ga crowed mera groove tv te,” following the tags #hblpsl, #pakistan and #turkey.
The first four opening ceremonies of the PSL were held at the Dubai International Stadium while the 2020 opening ceremony was staged at the National Stadium Karachi, and the same venue will play host to the 2021 ceremony. As has been the tradition in earlier editions, the opening ceremony will be followed by the first match of the season – defending champions Karachi Kings will play Quetta Gladiators in the night match.
The ceremony is expected to be aired on PTV Sports and Geo Super. The time for the event has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, overseas players have started arriving in Karachi, where the first half of the tournament will take place. Because of COVID-19 SOPs, the PCB has limited the event to Karachi and Lahore only. The former will host 20 matches from February 20 to March 7 while the latter will host the remaining 14 matches from March 10 to 22.
As announced by the PCB, around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday defended its decision to hire Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners to perform the anthem of the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
According to a report, a PCB spokesperson said that the three artists were chosen to do the song as the board wanted to feature voices that were new and had not sung any PSL anthem before.
“Naseebo Lal is an extremely talented, underutilised vocalist whose voice has the strength to carry this cricket anthem,” the official is reported to have said. He further added that Aima gave young energy to the anthem.
The spokesperson said that Young Stunners were a “natural choice” to be a part of the anthem as they are leaders in the country’s hip-hop scene.
“Cricket and music have always formed a natural union in Pakistan. The thought process was to pave the way for a new sound of cricket in Pakistan that appeals to the multi-dimensional audience that comes with Pakistan’s biggest cricketing event,” added the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, PSL also shared a behind the scenes (BTS) video of the song’s shoot in which the singers spoke about the song and their role in it.
“It feels so good because this is the first time I’ve done a project which is making me happy,” said Naseebo in the video.
“My groove is my beloved Pakistan and the camera is also my groove,” added the singer.
On the other hand, the song’s producer Zulfiqar Jabbar (Xulfi) while talking about cricket and music, said: “There is one thing common in cricket and music, which is rhythm. You might have heard commentators talking about a bowler’s rhythm and rhythm is excitingly called as ‘groove’.”
Elaborating further, Xulfi said: “We usually say that if Shaheen Afridi has taken 4 wickets in a match, then on that day, he’s in groove.”
“Groove Mera is everyone’s groove in PSL. This can be anyone’s groove – a commentator’s groove or a cricketer, batsman, baller or we all musicians and artists’ groove, who are singing or it may be yours [public] as well,” he continued.
Xulfi further said that he “could feel Naseebo’s voice echoing in the stadium.”
“We knew how to get the balance among Naseebo, Aima and the Young Stunners. We exactly knew what their vibe is separately and we then made a connecting melody, which is basically the hook of the song,” he added.
“It is the hybrid of all the personalities of the singers, who are in this song,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Aima speaking about the song said: “The anthem’s vibe is pretty street and I really like it because our public really like street songs and music and it is very festive EDM. Overall I love the vibe.”
Groove Mera has created a stir with social media divided on the song. While many including Shoaib Akhtar slammed the song, other celebrities including Mehwish Hayat, Adnan Siddiqui, Faysal Quraishi, Haroon Shahid and Farhan Saeed praised the anthem and its composition.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan also criticised the song. Talking to media, Dr Awan said that she did not like it at all, adding that it “could have been improved further”.
Referring to Naseebo as Pakistan’s ‘laal,’ or beloved, Dr Awan said: “Here we were representing the league in front of international players. This is not district-level league. The Lal should have been presented as a jewel and voice of the nation.”
“If there is any chance of improvement, then we should go for it,” she concluded.
Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.
Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.
“Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”
“Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.
Least we can do for our artists is respect them. It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces. How ungrateful to forget so conveniently all the melodious songs Naseebo Lal has given us. #groovemera doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this
Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”
“Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.
Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”
HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.
#NaseeboLal sounds strong and her voice is iconic. Aima is killing it and the Young Stunners give it that contemporary punch making this first female led sports anthem all the more impactful. #groovemera is on repeat.
“When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.
“Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.
When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly . Song getting hate ? Lets go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things . I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will Rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes .
Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”
“Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”
“Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.
Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”
Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.
“It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.
“This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.
Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”
So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee!
In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”
This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.
PS. Groove by any definition does not mean Naali! We all know where this is stemming from. Pathetic to see such pettiness.Still love Shoaib for the bowler he was! pic.twitter.com/IAlTzgzmAg
Enough said on Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on the PSL 6 anthem. The fact is I’d stand behind if someone tried to disrespect him in the same manner. Peace! Let’s hope for a fantastic cricket competition once again. Pakistan Zindabad ❤️
Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”
Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”
Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.
What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.
Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 anthem Groove Mera, claiming that he could have sung it better.
The Rawalpindi Express has said that Groove Mera is the “worst anthem” ever.
“If the 10 worst songs of the PSL are compiled, this song will be number one. Do you have any shame?” questioned the former cricketer.
In a video posted to his YouTube Channel, Akhtar said that his children are also scared of the song so he uses it to make them sleep.
“My kids are scared of this song. When they don’t sleep, I tell them I’ll play it for them. That immediately scares them,” he said.
Akhtar continued: “I failed to understand the lyrics of the song or the song itself. What does groove mean? What is a groove? I am sure even the singers did not know the meaning of the word groove.”
However, the former bowler said that the singers have nothing to do with the song as they were just doing their job.
Shoaib also mocked the costumes of the Young Stunners in the song, saying: “What have you done? You hid the clothes of our Chief Selector Mohammad Waseem and dressed the rappers in them.”
The right-arm bowler said that PCB should make a good song next time instead of taking the criticism to heart.
“Make a better song next time and if you can’t, let me know I will sing it for you,” he concluded.
Groove Mera features Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners (Talha Yunus & Talha Anjum).
Naseebo also thanked the producer of the song, Zulfiqar Khan, better known as Xulfi, for bringing something “different and unique to the table.” She also expressed her gratitude to all those who have appreciated her performance, saying that she feels “truly honoured” to be able to sing for the PSL.
“This was a unique opportunity for my singing career and I thank God for it. When I was first approached, I had no idea about it and thought it would be just another song. However, when it turned out that it was an ‘item’ song for the PSL, I was surprised.” she remarked, adding: “Even though it was catchy and a different genre Xulfi composed the song according to my [singing] style.”
Meanwhile, in another interview, Lal said: “I never thought it would become so popular and all this success is because of Allah. When the PCB called me, I couldn’t believe it. Because I have never been offered an anthem before.”
Lal also expressed how she was afraid the song would fail.
“I was so afraid people wouldn’t like it but they loved it and I am so grateful,” said the singer.
While Akhtar trashed the song, several celebrities and media personalities including Mehwish Hayat, Meesha Shafi and Fatima Bhutto have praised Groove Mera and supported Lal for her power packed performance.
