Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : Yahoo

Raf-Saperra, the 26-year-old British Punjabi singer, is making waves in the music world with a unique blend of bhangra, hip-hop, and heavy metal. His music reflects the diverse influences from his life growing up in south London, giving him a sound that is hard to categorize.

Born to immigrant parents who moved to the UK in the late 1980s, Raf says his upbringing gives him a perspective that sets him apart from other Punjabi artists. “My village isn’t in Jalandhar or Lahore. My village is in Lambeth, in Streatham Hill,” he says, pointing to his roots in the heart of London rather than in traditional Punjabi towns.

Raf has earned recognition for hits like Modern Mirza and N.L.S., which have collectively amassed over 50 million streams. His songs have charted on both the Asian Music charts and the British Asian charts, cementing his place as a rising star in the global South Asian music scene.

A Musical Journey Shaped by Many Sounds

Raf’s music is deeply influenced by his heritage, and he often incorporates Punjabi-language lyrics in his songs. Yet his sound also reflects the wide range of music he experienced growing up in the UK. “When we were in primary and secondary school, UK grime was emerging, and then that evolved into UK rap,” he explains.

He lists musical icons from various genres who have shaped his approach. These include qawwali legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, bhangra superstar Jazzy B, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, and rock giants Black Sabbath. “I slowly but surely take a little bit from here and a little bit from there and apply it to myself in the most organic way,” Raf says. This eclectic mix has led him to describe his style as “genre-bending,” breaking conventional rules and experimenting freely in his music.

Riding the Rise of South Asian Music

Over the past few years, South Asian music has gained international attention. Artists like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon have performed at major festivals like Coachella, while collaborations with global stars such as Ed Sheeran and Sia have become more common. Raf himself has performed at major South Asian music events, including Mirchi Fest in Amsterdam, and will appear this weekend at Breaking Borders in Malta, a new festival being called the “South Asian Coachella.”

Raf recognizes the hard work of the pioneers who came before him but says the industry is still young, particularly on the Punjabi side. “We have to walk before we run,” he admits. “Many artists might want to come in and immediately perform at arena shows, but it doesn’t work like that. There’s a process, and I’m still climbing that ladder.”

Representation and Responsibility

For Raf, making music isn’t just about fame or streaming numbers—it’s about representation. “What motivates me is the same thing I want to achieve: representation,” he explains. “We cannot just build music within our own circles. As South Asians, we have a responsibility to make art that is tasteful, and that can reach audiences outside of our own communities.”

Raf is careful about his creative process. He describes himself as introverted when he starts working on music, and he follows his instincts. “I haven’t had a godfather in the industry. I’ve gotten as far as I have by listening to that feeling in my gut,” he says. He won’t release a song if it feels “corny, whack, or just mediocre,” but he also isn’t afraid to explore new ideas and experiment with his sound.

A New Chapter: Renaissance EP

In July, Raf released his new EP, Renaissance, which Canadian producer Ikky described as a “sonic rebirth.” The EP explores a new soundscape, diving deeper into Punjabi pop while maintaining the essence of Raf-Saperra’s style. Raf explains, “It’s very different from anything I’ve done before. I’m still finding my feet with it, but it’s going well so far.”

While trying new styles, Raf is conscious of his core fans. “I want to make sure my loyal listeners don’t feel alienated by new experiments,” he says. He balances innovation with respect for the audience that has supported him from the start, demonstrating his careful and thoughtful approach to music-making.

Looking Ahead

Raf-Saperra’s journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities in today’s global South Asian music scene. His eclectic upbringing, deep respect for his roots, and fearless experimentation have created a distinctive voice that resonates with diverse audiences. As he continues to perform at international festivals and release new music, Raf is committed to breaking boundaries and ensuring that South Asian music is recognized worldwide, not just within diaspora communities.

For Raf, music is more than just art—it’s a responsibility. Through his genre-bending, innovative approach, he aims to represent his culture with integrity, bringing South Asian sounds to the global stage while inspiring the next generation of artists.