We’re in this great era of experimentation when it comes to the indie electropop music scene in Pakistan. One of the artists making waves in the country, and played seemingly endlessly on the radio, is Taha G.

His stage name is short for Taha Gurwara. He once famously penned a song for Mahira Khan, titled Mahira, after meeting the actor for the first time, a few years ago. It’s a lovesick, sweet number in which he’s clearly fan boy-ing over the auteur and the high he’s on after meeting Mahira. Taha G performed an unplugged version of it for CityFM89’s live sessions in 2019.

He’s been consistently releasing new music since then. All of the tracks are very well-produced and within the electropop genre — but that doesn’t mean he can’t switch to acoustic, as evidenced when he performed Mahira for CityFM89.

Gurwara has a knack for writi ng sensitive and very catchy love ditties. One of his most popular releases to date, Dil Ke Isharay, released earlier this year, is still going strong with near-unending plays on the radio and increasing popularity online.

A romantic, electro-pop ditty, Dil Ke Isharay may be Taha G’s most popular release yet

It’s hard not to sing along to these simple yet cleverly written lyrics:

Kis se kahoon mein?/ Dil mein jo baatein/ Yeh adhoori reh jaati hain/
Tu kitni cool hai/ Aankhon mein noor hai/ Yeh kaisi majboori hai

[Who do I tell? / What’s in my heart/ Remains unfinished/
You’re so cool/ You have a light in your eyes/ What is this compulsion?]

Dil ke teray isharay/ Lagnay lagay hain pyaaray/ Aankhon mein tu jhaank le x2

[These signals of your heart/ I’m finding endearing/ Just look into my eyes]

Dil Ke Isharay is about trying to get the attention of the objection of the songwriter’s attention. Ever since he began writing songs, Taha G has stuck to romantic numbers, exploring different facets of young love and relationships. It’s what he does best.

Another popular number by Taha G that’s instantly recognisable is his collaboration with Maanu, a singer-songwriter who performs in the same genre, on Dou Pal. It’s a fun, heart-warming celebration of freedom and friendship.

The simple chorus encapsulates the spirit of the song perfectly:

Dekho inn dou pal ke raahi hain/ Hum dono saathi hain, panchhi hum x2

[We are travellers of these moments/ We’re companions, we are the birds]

While Taha G may be incredibly prolific in releasing music online, he can also follow it up with a stellar live act. While there are many artists who create beautitful works of art but are unable to present it on stage, this is not the case with Gurwara. He’s a natural performer. One is looking forward to seeing the acoustic, live versions of Dil Ke Isharay and Dou Pal, hopefully soon.

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 26th, 2022