Our Best New Band finalists each brings a special spark to the contest — 2NE1 reps for a global tribe of fierce ladies, while Skrillex is the king of the rising dance underground, for example. But of all our contestants, it’s Pakistani crooner Atif Aslam who best fits the mold of classic, heart-melting idol. Gaze at his liquid eyes, listen to his golden voice, and you’ll be lost, like the millions of Aadeez who already worship him.
Global fans and experts agree that Atif’s unique folk rock, with elements of ghazal and sufi music, has a magnetic pull. In Pakistan, Atif’s voice was like “something nobody had ever heard before,” according to Karachi radio DJ Munizeh Sanai.
Then his natural charisma and stunning music videos took his fanbase global. Music lovers in New York City told us he should be called “Atif Awesome,” and teens in the streets of Seoul told MTV K that they believe Atif has idol quality. Coming from the land of 2NE1 and JYJ, that’s no small compliment.
Fan love is a two-way street. As a thank you for the outpouring of love from over three million Facebook fans, Atif has posted a special video performance on his official Facebook fan page. Strumming an acoustic guitar as the light picks up his chiseled cheekbones, he performs an acoustic version of “Humrahi,” off 2008′s Meri Kahani. As he sings about his beloved “Humrahi,” or companion, it’s clear he’s actually talking about his loyal fans — fans like American high school student Muskan Mumtaz, who once bum-rushed eight security guards so she could make eye contact with her dreamy idol. What does she say about it now?
“It was worth every bruise.”
WATCH PAKISTAN DISCUSS ATIF AND OTHER BNB ARTISTS:
WATCH KOREA DISCUSS ATIF AND OTHER BNB ARTISTS:
WATCH NEW YORK DISCUSS ATIF AND OTHER BNB ARTISTS:
Check out Atif Aslam and, as always, don’t forget to vote!
