Kaifi Khalil is the Baloch singer from Lyari, Karachi, who took Balochi music to millions of people around the world. His song "Kahani Suno 2.0" became one of the biggest Pakistani songs ever, and his Coke Studio hit "Kana Yaari" made Balochi lyrics famous far beyond Balochistan.
In this biography you will learn about Kaifi Khalil's age, family, early struggles, how he started singing, his famous songs and his achievements.
Kaifi Khalil: Quick Facts
| Full name | Kaifi Khalil |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 2 September 1996 |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Hometown | Lyari, Karachi |
| Background | Baloch, from a family of musicians |
| Father | The late Rajab Ali Surizehi, a Baloch musician |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, composer |
| Famous songs | Kahani Suno 2.0, Kana Yaari, Kahani Suno, Baali Guraab |
| Known for | First Pakistani music video in the YouTube Global Top 10 |
Early Life and Family
Kaifi Khalil was born on 2 September 1996 in Karachi and grew up in Lyari, the city's historic Baloch neighbourhood and a place famous for producing musicians. His father, Rajab Ali Surizehi, was a Baloch musician, and he was the one who first introduced Kaifi to music.
Life was not easy. After his father passed away, young Kaifi had to do odd jobs to support himself and his mother, and he did not get a formal education. But he never let go of music.
How Kaifi Khalil Started Singing
A friend introduced Kaifi to MAD School, a music school in Karachi, where he received free formal training. There he worked with well-known artistic directors, including Nida Butt and Hamza Jafri, and improved his skills.
He started his YouTube channel in 2015 and uploaded his first video in 2016, a cover of the Balochi song "Mani Tawe Dost." In 2016 he also received the I AM KARACHI "Hope" award, and the organisation gave him many chances to perform on stage.
Kahani Suno: The Song That Changed Everything
In 2021 Kaifi released "Kahani Suno," a soft, emotional love song. In 2022 he released a new version, "Kahani Suno 2.0," and it became a massive hit:
- It topped Spotify charts in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.
- It reached No. 8 on YouTube's Global Top 10 chart, making it the first Pakistani music video ever to do so.
- It crossed 350 million streams.
The song was shared everywhere on Instagram reels, TikTok and WhatsApp statuses, and Kaifi Khalil became a household name.
Kana Yaari: Coke Studio Season 14
In 2022 Kaifi made his Coke Studio debut in Season 14 with "Kana Yaari," together with rapper Eva B and tambura player Abdul Wahab Bugti. Kaifi wrote and composed the song, apart from Eva B's verse, and had written his part about three years earlier.
The song got 3.2 million views in its first three days. Music producer Xulfi has said the Coke Studio team wanted the "original" Kaifi rather than changing his style, and that honesty is a big part of why the song worked. "Kana Yaari" brought Balochi language and Balochi musical style to millions of new listeners.
Kaifi Khalil's Famous Songs
| Song | Year |
|---|---|
| Mani Tawe Dost (cover, first YouTube video) | 2016 |
| Kahani Suno | 2021 |
| Jungle Jungle | 2021 |
| Baali Guraab | 2021 |
| Kadi Kaye | 2021 |
| Kahani Suno 2.0 | 2022 |
| Kana Yaari (Coke Studio 14, with Eva B & Abdul Wahab Bugti) | 2022 |
| Mast | 2022 |
Achievements
- First Pakistani music video to enter YouTube's Global Top 10 (Kahani Suno 2.0)
- No. 1 on Spotify in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India
- Coke Studio Season 14 artist ("Kana Yaari")
- I AM KARACHI Hope Award (2016)
- Announced his first international tour, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2023
Kaifi Khalil and Balochi Music
Kaifi Khalil belongs to a long line of musicians from Lyari, the same neighbourhood that produced legends like Ustad Abdul Sattar Baloch. Even legendary Balochi folk singer Akhtar Chanal Zahri has praised Kaifi, Wahab Bugti and Eva B for the success of "Kana Yaari." Kaifi's success shows that a young artist from a humble background can reach the whole world while staying true to Balochi roots. (Read our guide to Balochi music and famous singers!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kaifi Khalil?
Kaifi Khalil was born on 2 September 1996.
Where is Kaifi Khalil from?
He is from Lyari, Karachi, in Pakistan. He is Baloch.
Who wrote Kana Yaari?
Kaifi Khalil wrote and composed "Kana Yaari," except for Eva B's rap verse.
What language is Kana Yaari in?
Kaifi's parts of "Kana Yaari" are in Balochi.
Who was Kaifi Khalil's father?
His father was the late Baloch musician Rajab Ali Surizehi.
What is your favourite Kaifi Khalil song? Tell us in the comments!
Sources: Wikipedia (Kaifi Khalil), Aaj News ("Kaifi Khalil and his life after Kana Yaari"), Geo News.
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