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Aquib Bhat, is winning hearts online with his soulful singing. From the lanes of South Kashmir to global listeners, Aquib has turned his passion for music into a growing digital presence on Smule and YouTube.
Smule, an American karaoke app launched in 2012 for iOS and later in 2013 for Android, has become a hub for aspiring singers worldwide. Often described as “the biggest music app you haven’t heard of,” it attracts over 50 million monthly users. Aquib is among its verified singers in India, proudly carrying the blue tick badge, and has gained millions of impressions on his performances.
Reaching this milestone wasn’t easy. Pulwama has witnessed frequent internet shutdowns in recent years, posing a challenge for digital creators. But Aquib’s dedication to music kept him going. “For me, music arises out of pain—lost love, separation, or the passing of loved ones. That’s the kind of music I connect with the most,” he says.
His love for music began in childhood, heavily influenced by his father, a fan of legendary singers Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Listening to his father sing those timeless melodies sparked Aquib’s own passion for singing.
Among his growing achievements, Aquib has collaborated with Rapkid Arfat, one of Kashmir’s emerging rap artists, for the track “Lost Love.” His song “Hoor,” composed by him, has already crossed five lakh views, and he now has a dedicated 50,000 followers on Smule.
Looking ahead, Aquib plans to release more original music that will mark the next step in his professional journey. From nostalgic classics to Kashmiri Sufi-inspired melodies, his voice continues to bring the sounds of the Valley to a wider audience.