A surge of digital creativity has followed the release of Ali Zafar’s album ‘Roshni,’ as a wave of content creators join an online video contest inspired by its tracks.

Launched weeks after the album’s debut, the competition called for submissions of visual art based on songs from the project, offering cash prizes of Rs250,000, Rs75,000, and Rs50,000. In response, social media feeds have been flooded with entries, a significant number showcasing AI-generated imagery and experimental narratives that capture varied personal interpretations of the album’s themes.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zafar said the project was intended to inspire positivity and artistic expression. “The idea behind ‘Roshni’ was to spread light, and seeing it spark such incredible creativity among fans truly leaves me in awe,” he said.

In response to the growing number of submissions, organisers introduced an additional category the ‘Public Choice Award’ allowing audiences to vote for their favourite entry. There is also increasing anticipation around a possible awards ceremony hosted by Lightingale Records.

The Lightingale Records platform is aimed at supporting emerging talent. The event is expected to bring finalists together, where Zafar may personally present the awards.

Ali Zafar remains one of Pakistan’s most recognizable crossover stars. He built early fame through music before successfully entering films. In Bollywood, he appeared in projects such as ‘Tere Bin Laden’, ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’, ‘London Paris New York’, ‘Chashme Baddoor’, and ‘Dear Zindagi’. In Pakistan, his comeback film ‘Teefa in Trouble’ became a commercial success and helped revive local box office excitement.

Ali Zafar’s latest initiative highlights the evolving relationship between music and digital creativity, with ‘Roshni’ acting as a catalyst for cross-border artistic collaboration.

Read more: Ali Zafar says Shah Rukh Khan first wanted him to sing “Dard-e-Disco”

Singer Hasan Raheem is finally releasing a long-awaited collaboration with Indo-Canadian artist The PropheC. Their new track, “Ek Nishani,” is set to drop this Friday.

Raheem recently teased the release on social media, giving fans a first glimpse of the music video.

The trailer opens with a woman dragging a coffin across the desert, creating a dark and emotional mood. Raheem and The PropheC are then seen standing in the barren landscape, while later shots show The PropheC sitting alone on a chair inside a dimly lit room.

A short snippet of the song also plays in the teaser.

Raheem recently released his song Bewajah and has remained one of Pakistan’s most loved young voices.

Known for his smooth vocals and modern sound, he has built a strong fan following over the years.

The PropheC, on the other hand, is known for his soulful Punjabi tracks and polished production style.

With both singers bringing different sounds to the table, fans are expecting Ek Nishani to be one of the standout releases of the week.

Read more: Hasan Raheem highlights Gilgit’s culture in new single ‘Bewajah’

Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy was spotlighted in Beijing as singer Natasha Baig delivered a performance blending music, poetry, and national identity, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between Islamabad and Beijing during a milestone year in bilateral ties.

Reflecting on the experience online, Baig described her return to China as both personal and symbolic. “Beijing, thank you for the love,” she wrote. “I felt honored to return for my second visit and perform at the Masters Cup Ballroom Dancing Beijing Open 2026.” More than a standard international set, Baig shared that she brought “a piece of my soul” to the stage through ‘Khushboo’, the title track of her album, which incorporates the celebrated poetry of Parveen Shakir—a deliberate choice to share Pakistan’s literary and musical heritage with a global audience.

“In the spirit of Pak–China friendship, I also sang ‘The Great China’ as a tribute to the warmth, respect, and love I’ve received here,” she added, framing the act as both artistic and diplomatic. Baig extended thanks to the event organizers, especially the CICCC Chairman and the Pakistani Ambassador, noting, “From Hunza to Beijing—letting music travel.”

Her appearance was part of a high-level Star Gala co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and the China International Cultural Communication Centre, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. The event gathered diplomats, business leaders, media, and creatives from both countries.

In his address, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, emphasized that generations of leadership in both nations have nurtured a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and support, stressing the ongoing importance of people-to-people ties and cultural exchange. Chinese officials, including CICCC Executive Chairman Long Yuxiang and Xiangjiang Group President Zhai Meiqing, echoed this, underscoring the role of cultural dialogue in strengthening mutual understanding and connectivity.

Baig’s bilingual performance in Urdu and Chinese stood out as a defining moment of the gala, adding a distinctive cultural layer to the celebrations. The event was one in a series marking 75 years of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation into culture, media, and youth engagement. Through her fusion of poetry, music, and cross-cultural tribute, Baig illustrated how artists can actively contribute to soft diplomacy, reflecting a broader partnership that increasingly relies on cultural expression to reinforce a lasting strategic bond.

Read more: Natasha Baig Discusses The “Downfall” Of Nadia Khan’s Stardom