Mir Kashif Iqbal

Mir Kashif Iqbal is a Kashmiri singer-songwriter, guitarist, and music producer based in Toronto. A pioneering voice in Kashmiri and Urdu rock, his work blends indie-folk, progressive, and psychedelic rock with evocative poetry rooted in Kashmiri & Urdu often exploring themes of longing, resilience, and hope.

In 2010, he co-founded Parvaaz, where he served as lead guitarist, co-songwriter, lyricist, and producer. The band was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone India in 2018 as “India’s Most Exciting Band”. Their work has appeared in films as well as the award-winning documentary Soz: A Ballad of Maladies. They were also featured on BBC Four’s Rhythms of India.

A seasoned touring and recording artist with over 500 shows, Kashif has performed at major festivals including Canadian Music Week (2019), The NH7 Weekender, Jaipur Literature fest and more, sharing stages with acts like Alt-J and Lucky Ali. After parting ways with Parvaaz in 2021, Kashif launched his solo career with Peak Wave Descent, followed by the EP Adaptation (2022). His recent work as a producer and performer has included the critically acclaimed debut album “Mandnyan Shaam” by the Kashmiri Folk Rock Band Gaekhir Republik.

Since moving to Canada in 2023, Kashif has performed solo and with ensembles while launching his new rock project Hangul. A graduate Small World Music Incubator (2025), Kashif continues to expand his sonic and cultural footprint globally. He is currently working on his second solo LP as well as Hangul’s debut album slated for early 2027.

Sounds Like Toronto - Sounds Like the World is generously supported by the City of Toronto through the Community Celebration Support Fund.