LONDON: Pakistani freestyle rapper Ghani Tiger is making his presence felt in London as he continues to connect with fans through his energetic Punjabi and Urdu rap songs and poetry.
After moving to London from Pakistan about a year ago, Tiger has risen to fame through his freestyle rapping, often focusing on relevant social and political issues.
In recent months, his rap tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces has gone viral on social media due to its catchy lyrics and patriotic theme.
Tiger, whose real name is Hamza Ghani, has opened concerts for rap star Bohemia, Abrar-ul-Haq and Bilal Saeed at London venues and has drawn loud applause from fans.
He has also performed at private events, street corners and several iconic London locations including Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Tiger is considered by many in the industry as a gifted talent.
He can create and perform a new rap song in seconds, developing the lyrics, rhythm and delivery almost instantly. Bohemia, Abrar-ul-Haq and Zeeshan Rokhri have described him as a genius talent for his ability to create instant rap poetry.
In 2020, his father was killed and his brother was shot in Pasrur, Punjab. Tiger posted an emotional video pleading for justice and the case attracted a lot of attention online.
According to Tiger, some of those involved in his father’s murder are still at large. Later, he turned his personal tragedy into emotional songs about loss, hope and survival.
In an interview, he said, “My father’s killing was the darkest phase of my life. I was young when he was killed. I created hope out of despair and decided to live on through positivity and hope. I worked hard to take care of my family and ensured that I provide education to the needy around me.”
He made a name for himself through the underground rap circuit in Pakistan, live events and online streaming platforms.
He is now known for his sharp delivery, street-inspired lyrics and strong social media presence, establishing himself as one of Pakistan’s rising freestyle rap voices.
He said: “I learned through my real-life story how to transform everyday emotions, struggles and ambitions into impactful rap performances. I have reached a wider British-Asian audience since moving to London. There is a growing influence of South Asian rap in the UK, with artists mixing Punjabi, Urdu and English sounds to create music that speaks directly to this diaspora community.”
Tiger said artists in the freestyle rap genre appeal to audiences through their raw and unfiltered style.
He said: “Rap artists are generally not polished industrial products. Instead, their music carries a sense of real-life experience, online buzz and grassroots popularity. It’s very different from traditional, soft and poetic music. It’s about a different experience. A lot of the new generation relates to this style of music.”
Tiger said that gaining recognition through freestyle rap is not easy.
He said: “I personally have not sought traditional routes to fame. I believe in building my own stage, finding my own audience and taking my sound directly to the people. Social media has been a big help.”
For Tiger, London has become a new platform to showcase his freestyle talent, reach a wider audience and strengthen his connection with fans across the British-Pakistani community.
