Renowned Pakistani playback singer Humaira Channa has openly criticized nepotism and favoritism in Pakistan’s music industry, stating that genuine talent is being sidelined while opportunities remain limited to a select few.
Speaking in a recent podcast, Humaira Channa said that nepotism has deeply penetrated the music industry, restricting work to specific artists and leaving many experienced singers overlooked. She emphasized that favoritism has become routine, with the same names repeatedly chosen for projects while others are pushed into the background.
The veteran singer revealed that she herself has faced this bias, calling the situation unfortunate yet undeniable. According to Humaira Channa, the industry must move beyond personal connections and prioritize real skill, experience, and artistic merit.
Addressing the treatment of legendary artists, she pointed out that many performers are labeled “legends” in words only, without being given consistent work. She added that recognition often comes too late — after an artist’s death — or suddenly when someone returns from abroad, masking the deeper structural issues within the industry.
Humaira Channa rose to fame in the 1990s through hit film soundtracks and is a recipient of the Nigar Award. She has also earned acclaim for performing the folk and Sufi poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on Pakistan Television, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s musical heritage.
Humaira Channa, Pakistan music industry, nepotism in music industry, Pakistani singers, favoritism in entertainment industry, Pakistani playback singer, Nigar Award, Pakistani music news