Pakistan’s global music scene just got a major boost. Two of its brightest stars — Meesha Shafi and Arooj Aftab — are officially in the running for consideration at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking another proud moment for South Asian representation on the international stage.
According to official submissions reported by Images by Dawn, both artists have entered their recent projects for Grammy consideration across multiple categories. While the nominations won’t be finalized until November 2025, the buzz already has music fans and critics watching closely.
Meesha Shafi’s “Khilnay Ko” — A Bold Leap
Singer, songwriter, and performer Meesha Shafi has submitted her album Khilnay Ko for consideration in three categories:
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Best Global Music Album
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Best Global Music Performance
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Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical)
Shafi described Khilnay Ko as her most personal and sonically daring project yet — blending classical South Asian influences with modern electronic textures. The album’s ethereal tone and bold themes of self-expression have drawn praise both in Pakistan and abroad.
“This album is about opening up — creatively and emotionally,” Shafi said in a recent interview. “It’s my way of blooming in a space where women’s voices are still finding room to grow.”
Arooj Aftab Returns — With a Remix Twist
Meanwhile, Arooj Aftab, Pakistan’s first-ever Grammy winner, continues to cement her legacy. She has entered the Khruangbin remix of her song “Raat Ki Rani” for the Best Remixed Recording category — an unexpected move that showcases her experimental side.
Aftab, who made history in 2022 by winning the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance with “Mohabbat,” has since become a regular fixture at the awards. Her distinctive fusion of Urdu poetry, jazz, and minimalistic soundscapes has captivated audiences worldwide.
Pakistan’s Evolving Global Footprint
This year’s Grammy consideration list underscores the growing global influence of Pakistani music — moving beyond traditional boundaries to embrace innovation and genre-fluid artistry.
If either Shafi or Aftab secures a nomination when the Recording Academy unveils its official list on November 7, 2025, it would further cement Pakistan’s standing as a rising creative powerhouse in world music.
For now, both artists are staying quiet on social media, letting their music do the talking. But among fans, one thing is clear — whether or not they take home another Grammy, Pakistan’s sound is echoing louder than ever on the global stage.
