K-Pop is not a band. It never was. It is a pop culture phenomenon from the east that has found global success. All you have to do is look at Billboard charts for 2021. While some have just been entertained by PSY’s ‘Gangam Style’ that made its debut years ago – others are more informed that the phrase ‘K-Pop’ has a lot more to it.

At present, the young boy band, BTS, is perhaps the most successful representative of eastern pop culture, but there are several other artists climbing Billboard charts. One struggles to understand what possessed Ali Zafar to do yet another non-descript song. Described on Ali Zafar’s YouTube page as “Desi Tarka with some k-pop looks and vibes”, the song is called ‘Game Bun Gayi’ and features Alistair Alvin.

While the music, more electro-pop than anything else, is actually a newer start for Ali Zafar, the lyrics are pedantic at best. As Ali starts singing “Hun tori na tu dil nu ve teri meri game ban gayi e”, and later. “Chal 2d se 3d ho ja”, it feels a little like some eroded version of an original Zafar song. The lyrical material borders on bad writing, particularly with so many younger artists in the industry doing a much better job. The music video, meanwhile, somewhat theatrical also misses the mark completely. Twitter is having a laugh at this song. But most of all, the ‘desi tarka with k-pop’ vibe is missing. The dance in the middle with a few boys makes it seem like this is right out of BTS’ playbook. Sadly though, it doesn’t look good or replicate to the energy of BTS that they showcase onstage and in videos.

It also begs the question as to why this effort was made instead of an original song. As tributes go, this one by Ali Zafar x Free Fire ft. Alistair Alvin’s creation ultimately leaves no impact. But Ali Zafar’s popularity has fetched the song 3.4 million views in just five days and we’re guessing that number will rise. What is obvious is that Alistair Alvin steals the scene with his vocals in the song.

Atif Aslam and Sajal Aly create romance with ‘Rafta Rafta’

Powerhouse actor Sajal Aly recently featured in Atif Aslam’s latest music video for the song ‘Rafta Rafta’. We have to add not only do they look good together but Atif achieved what he sought out to do: present a song akin to a love letter. Presented by Tarish Music, ‘Rafta Rafta’ opens with a larger-than-life sound. Upon its opening, we find Atif standing in a barren desert and Sajal entering the frame to join him in a gorgeous, dramatic red outfit. The frame changes, Sajal is alone in bed but the desert quickly reappears indoors as Atif begins to sing. The music video feels like a prominent Bollywood music video with high production value and Atif singing verses upon verses drenched in a journey between the two. Sajal, as usual carries the role with poise while Atif looks like a movie star. The track will appeal to anyone who finds pop music and/or film music remotely interesting or is a fan of Atif Aslam.

2021 is a strong year for Atif - who had revealed to Instep in an earlier interview that he would be releasing music regularly. To that end, in 2021 Atif Aslam has released the prolific ‘Raat’ as well as covers of iconic originals such as ‘Dil Jalane Ki Baat’ and ‘Chale To Kat Hi Jayega’. Following up on his promise to fans that 2021 will be full of music, his latest single is is another indicator that he is sticking to the plan.

The song was, as Atif had teased prior to release, would be an unabashed love song and that factor is the predominant theme in the song and the video that has been released with it. While the music video is sprawling, the sonic landscape suits Atif’s voice, never overpowering it. Well done!

Farhan Saeed, Aima Baig appear
in a song together

The last time Farhan Saeed was truly a fantastic singer was when he was in Jal and as part of the group sang tracks such as ‘Teri Yaad’, ‘Sajni’ and Jal’s Coke Studio debut, ‘Ik Arzu’. He went on to retire from Jal and even as statistics continued to rise in what is now a thriving acting and musical career, those originals with Jal remain unmatched.

However, Farhan Saeed is not paying attention to past glories. His focus has diversified with what is now a thriving acting career. But Farhan hasn’t let go of his musical career, releasing multiple songs over the years. His latest is ‘Na Cher Malangaan Nu’ in which he is joined by singer Aima Baig. While the song is written, composed and produced by Bilal Saeed, the music video for ‘Na Cher Malangaan Nu’ comes with a preface from director Adnan Kazi who states: “Thank you Joseph Kahn & Taylor Swift for always being such an amazing inspiration”.

Okay then.

The sonic landscape of this track is electro-pop. It’s almost as if everyone in the music scene has suddenly found electronic music. The song, however, depends on how much you enjoy Farhan Saeed’s music. How Taylor Swift figures into this scenario is a guessing game. But it is a bit dull to find Swift as the inspiration ahead of others who have turned the industry on its head.