The entry of Rutaba Yakub in the music scene is just another sign of how diverse Pakistani music is becoming.

Approximately three months ago, somewhere in March, Rutaba - known for her association with music group Roots - released her debut solo single, ‘Anay wala kal/Ghubaray’, a neon-coloured, choreographic, electronic dancehall dream from her solo, upcoming album called Nostalgia @ The Keryana Store. Speaking about the song, Rutaba had told Instep, “The lyrics can be perceived in any other relationship. It could be a communication between an older, experienced parent to a child or a partner to another partner. I wrote this song at a time in my life when things were going very well for me and it was a moment of realization and its better now and just a year before this, I thought it would never get better and I was at the lowest.”

Now she is back with her song called ‘Wasta/Kulfi’ with a music video as well, directed by Ikram Khan. But thematically, the song is as different from its predecessor as chalk and cheese. Written, composed, and performed by Rutaba, she describes the lyrical diversion as a “quintessential love song.”

She further said, “It delves into complex emotions like being forlorn in love, and the grief that comes with it. The indie pop melody transports the listener into a magical trance as the lyrics convey the inner workings of a conflicted muse.

“‘Wasta’ is different from other songs on my album that use sampling techniques and is more organic in terms of instrumentation. So, a lot of work has gone into creating a harmony that spins different levels of magic as it progresses.”

Shining a light on the music video, Rutaba observed, “The visuals speak about how individuals embrace their true selves when they lose hope in the other.”