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KARACHI: Veteran singer Saleem Javed, a well-known figure from Pakistan’s 1990s music scene, has made a comeback with a new release that blends his earlier work with contemporary sounds. The project, which came out last month, is a mashup that reworks six of his classic Balochi tracks into a more modern sonic setting.

Javed told that the concept isn’t brand new, it has been simmering since 2010, but previous attempts to launch it were repeatedly postponed. “We made this mashup four times. Each time it didn’t feel right. On the fourth try I finally thought the moment had come to share it,” he said.

The singer proudly revealed that his son, Shazan Saleem Jogi, oversaw the entire production. “My son did all the music and directed the video. I’m glad the younger generation is carrying my music forward with a fresh perspective,” Javed said.

The mashup has been met with warm reactions online, with listeners calling it both “unique” and “nostalgic”.

rap in the 90s and gen z’s sound

Javed is counted among the pioneering artists who brought rap into Pakistan in the 1990s. On the current surge of Urdu rap and the prominence of Gen Z musicians, he noted that trends in music, like fashion, tend to cycle every few decades.

“Music changes the same way fashion does. In the 90s tight clothes were fashionable; today loose styles are in. Hairstyles shift, and music follows similar cycles,” he observed.

He said revisiting his songs from three decades ago was intended to reconnect younger listeners with the musical past.

concerns about ai in music

While welcoming technological advances, Javed expressed unease about the growing role of artificial intelligence in the industry. He acknowledged AI’s benefits for people who previously struggled with basic vocal or speech abilities, but warned of troubling side effects.

“AI has made it possible for many to participate who couldn’t before, but its misuse is creating mistrust and harm,” he said, adding that fabricated videos and manipulated content are damaging family life and social trust.

Javed concluded that although technology is inevitable, responsible use is essential to prevent serious social consequences.

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