Summary
- Pakistani music is taking another major step onto the international stage as renowned DJ and music producer Alan Walker teams up with Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib for an official reimagining of their hit song ‘Alfaaz’.
- The new version, titled Alfaaz – Alan Walker Relight, also features British singer James Arthur, bringing together internationally recognised artists for a cross-cultural musical collaboration.
- ‘Alfaaz – Alan Walker Relight’ is performed by Hamza Malik, Zain Zohaib, Alan Walker and James Arthur, with production handled by Alan Walker, Kasper and Atif Khan.
The collaboration marks a significant new chapter for ‘Alfaaz’, which has already achieved remarkable success beyond Pakistan. The original track, performed by Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib, reached the No. 1 position on Spotify’s daily charts in both Pakistan and India. It also became the only Pakistani song to reach No. 26 on Spotify’s Daily Global Top Songs chart, highlighting its growing international appeal. 
Alan Walker’s involvement has added further excitement to the song’s journey, particularly following his arrival in Lahore. His connection with the original track eventually developed into an official collaboration, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds and audiences.
Rather than completely changing the original composition, the Relight version aims to retain the essence of ‘Alfaaz’ while introducing Walker’s distinctive production approach. James Arthur’s contribution further strengthens the collaboration, blending his vocal style with the musical foundation established by Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib.
For the original performers, the project represents an opportunity to take a song that has already connected with audiences across borders and introduce it to an even wider international audience.
Speaking about the collaboration, Hamza Malik expressed his excitement at seeing the track reach such an unexpected milestone. He said the song had travelled much further than they had imagined and described Walker’s interest in the original as an incredible feeling. He also shared his enthusiasm for audiences to experience its new version.
Zain Zohaib similarly described the collaboration as an important moment in their musical journey. He explained that remaining connected to their musical roots while exploring fresh sounds and creative opportunities has always been important to them. For him, the partnership represents a meaningful meeting of different musical worlds.
The project also highlights the role of Giraffe, the creative platform led by Zulfiqar J. Khan, popularly known as Xulfi, and its CEO Muhammad Ibrahim, in connecting Pakistani artists with international collaborators.
Ibrahim explained that Giraffe aims to operate as a broader creative ecosystem rather than simply a record label. He credited the original artists and listeners in Pakistan and India for helping ‘Alfaaz’ gain momentum, adding that the platform’s role was to build on that success and create opportunities for the music to reach new audiences. He also highlighted that the collaboration helped bring Alan Walker to Lahore.
Walker shared his enthusiasm for the project, revealing that he immediately recognised something special in ‘Alfaaz’ when he first heard it. He described working with Hamza Malik and Zain Zohaib as an exciting creative experience and expressed his appreciation for music’s ability to connect people across cultures.
James Arthur also welcomed the opportunity to feature on the reimagined track. He said he was honoured to be approached for the project, particularly after witnessing the impact the original song had made among listeners. He added that working with Walker allowed them to bring a different dimension to the composition and expressed excitement about its release.
The production brings together an international team of musicians and creators. ‘Alfaaz – Alan Walker Relight’ is performed by Hamza Malik, Zain Zohaib, Alan Walker and James Arthur, with production handled by Alan Walker, Kasper and Atif Khan.
The song’s writing and composition credits include Hamza Malik, Zain Ali, Najaf Ali, Alan Walker, James Arthur, Gunnar Greve, Marcus Arnbekk, Mats Lie Skåre and Fredrik Borch Olsen. Kevin Grainger handled mastering for the new version.
The original recording was produced by Kabeer Khan, featuring guitar work by Awais Kazmi, mixing by Sherry Khattak and mastering by Nick Burchall.
With an internationally recognised producer, a celebrated British vocalist and two Pakistani artists at its centre, the new version of ‘Alfaaz’ represents another opportunity for Pakistani music to make its presence felt globally. More than a remix, the collaboration brings together different creative identities while building on the success of a song that has already crossed geographical and cultural boundaries.
