Misbah

Another shining example of the untamed creative energy of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK is Misbah, who crafts laid-back songs full of warmth and groove using his guitar, voice, and synthesisers. For several years now, the Lahore-born, London-based singer–songwriter and bedroom producer has been crafting wonderfully laid-back tracks that blend 1983-style synth-funk, dreamy indie pop, and influences from his cultural heritage. Whether it’s the gentle guitars in the peaceful “Darya” (2020) that accompany the two-part vocals as if in a dreamy children’s song or the bass groove in “Dukh” (2023) that suddenly sends shivers down your spine, one thing is clear: Something special is happening here. In terms of arrangements and instrumentation, Misbah mastered his signature sound with impressive ease on his debut EP, “Woh Hai Kahaan” (2021), but has consistently refined it further over the last few years. This can be heard – amongst other tracks – on his latest single, “Dil” (2026), which makes greater use of a drum machine than his earlier songs but nevertheless evokes an incredibly warm, almost nostalgic atmosphere. And he’s coming to us for the first time this year with fresh material.