In addition to his far-reaching musical influence, staying true to his surname – Arif Lohar is nothing less than a cultural hero, flying in the face of traditional, predictable mores. With more than a 150 albums to his credit – the sound of his ‘Chimta’ still grips music connoisseurs in a trance amid a deafening silence.

Popular within the country as well as across the world having made some 50 international tours, with his characteristic attire, long hair and rings on his fingers, he maintains a childlike sense of wonder and mischief, within the structure of his music as well as establishing himself as a true performer on-stage.

An instantly recognizable sound, Arif Lohar is best known for his reinterpretations of traditional folk music that fuses with the last generation poetry of ancient Punjab.

The relationship of the Lohars with their fans easily spreads over five generations. Although they have recorded thousands of songs, all very popular, but amazingly their signature song ‘Jugni’, originally sung by his late father, Alam Lohar, and replicated during Coke Studio, Season 3 featuring ‘Alif Allah/Jugni’ with Meesha Shafi – still retains the top of the mind position.

As Arif Lohar re-emerges on Coke Studio in Season 8, so does his kaleidoscopic universe encapsulating the raucous live-band energy with folk tales, grooves and an uncanny amount of absolute unadulterated entertainment.