“Kaun Talha?” I asked, and his response was exactly what I expected: “Rap Elia toh Jaun Talha. I’m Talha Anjum from Karachi. I write and I rap and I do it for you.”
In 2024, the narrative of desi rap is largely shaped by Talha Anjum. This year has seen him release a fiery diss track after an Indian rapper dared to question him, drop multiple collaborations, and release two EPs in August. He also partnered with Mass Appeal and capped off the year with his second solo album, My Terrible Mind. Additionally, Anjum became Spotify’s most-streamed Pakistani artist of 2024. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s now making his acting debut in Kattar Karachi, a film that marks the next big chapter in his career.
The Journey from ‘Burger e Karachi’ to Today
When 16-year-old Talha Anjum and 15-year-old Talhah Yunus released “Burger e Karachi” in 2012, they poked fun at the city’s wealthy elite while challenging an upper-class mentality that often ridicules those who don’t fit its standards. Over the years, the duo has chronicled Karachi’s unique subcultures through their music, positioning themselves as both artists and activists.
Anjum’s solo journey has seen him release his debut album Open Letter last year and build on his legacy as part of the Young Stunners. In 2024, he emerged as one of the hardest-working figures in Pakistani hip-hop, earning titles like “Baani-e-Urdu Rap” and “Mr. Most Streamed.”
The Influence of Hip-Hop on Anjum’s Life
Anjum, a known recluse, recently opened up about his motivations. He shared how the support of his producers, friends, and family keeps him going. “Hip-hop has changed my life,” he says. “It has turned it around.” With over two million followers on Instagram and a massive listenership of 10 million on Spotify, Anjum’s influence is undeniable. He believes that his music’s ability to impact the youth is his greatest source of motivation. “When your craft changes your life for the better, that’s the biggest motivation one can have,” he adds.
Mass Appeal Partnership: A Milestone for Desi Hip-Hop
Anjum’s collaboration with Nas’s record label, Mass Appeal, marked a turning point for South Asian hip-hop. The label signed him along with other prominent artists like Umair, Maanu, and Blal Bloch in November. Anjum sees this partnership as an opportunity to take desi rap to new heights, leveraging the label’s support to amplify his reach worldwide. “The sky is the limit,” he states, emphasizing the potential of this collaboration to bring South Asian hip-hop into the global spotlight.
The Making of My Terrible Mind
Anjum’s second solo album, My Terrible Mind, is an introspective exploration of human thought and emotion. “The album is a concept,” he says, reflecting on the challenges of growing up in Karachi. The album’s two parts blend different genres, including gangster rap, melancholic guitar ballads, and modern disco beats. Anjum explains that the album captures both the harsh realities of life and the mental struggles people face, making it his most experimental work yet.
Introducing Kattar Karachi: Anjum’s Debut Film
In a surprising shift from music, Anjum is venturing into filmmaking with Kattar Karachi, an action-packed thriller. The film, which will feature Anjum as the protagonist, is directed by Abdul Wali Baloch and co-stars Imran Ashraf and Kinza Hashmi. The rapper sees this as a way to bridge his two creative worlds, using his music and personal experiences to tell a compelling cinematic story. “The movie isn’t derived from my album, but the songs I’ve chosen for it hold a special place in my heart,” he shares.
Working with Imran Ashraf and Kinza Hashmi
Anjum spoke highly of his co-stars, Imran Ashraf and Kinza Hashmi, calling them both great friends and talented actors. “Imran Ashraf is one of the best actors in Pakistan, and Kinza Hashmi is an incredibly skilled actress. It was wonderful working with them on this project,” he says. He also expressed excitement over the film’s progress, calling the work “brilliant.”
Full-Time Musician, Part-Time Actor
Although Anjum may have discovered a new passion in acting, he maintains that music will always be his primary focus. “I never planned to make a music video, and then I made a movie,” he laughs, acknowledging the unexpected turn his career has taken. He remains open to acting opportunities but insists that music will always be his “choice of drug.”
Dealing with Hecklers and Mismanagement
Anjum recently faced controversy when Young Stunners canceled a performance in Sydney due to “significant mismanagement” and mistreatment of the team. While he expressed disappointment over the situation, Anjum also acknowledged the complexities of live performances, especially when dealing with hecklers. “Sometimes I deal with it gracefully, sometimes I lose my patience. But it’s part of the process,” he says, offering an apology to anyone offended by his reactions.
Talha Anjum’s Top Five Songs
For fans curious about his favorite tracks, Anjum shared his top five songs: “‘Loneliness’ from My Terrible Mind, ‘Glass Half Full’ from Open Letter, ‘Gumaan’ by Young Stunners, ‘Afsanay’ by Young Stunners, and most recently, ‘Kaun Talha’.”
Kattar Karachi: Coming Soon
Talha Anjum’s debut film Kattar Karachi is set to hit theatres on December 20, marking the next step in his multifaceted career.
