Rutaba Yaqub is a Saudi-born, Pakistan-based singer-songwriter and independent music artist known for her distinctive blend of rock, pop, electronic, and alternative sounds. She became nationally recognised through Nescafé Basement and later gained wider attention as the vocalist of the band Roots on Pepsi Battle of the Bands.
Performance highlights and selected moments
Rutaba Yaqub is a Saudi-born, Pakistan-based singer-songwriter and independent music artist known for her distinctive blend of rock, pop, electronic, and alternative sounds. She became nationally recognised through Nescafé Basement and later gained wider attention as the vocalist of the band Roots on Pepsi Battle of the Bands.
Rutaba is also known for her experimental approach to songwriting and production, using electronic textures, pop-rock arrangements, and personal storytelling in her music.
Rutaba Yaqub was born in Saudi Arabia and later moved to Pakistan to study computer engineering. She eventually made Lahore an important part of her musical journey.
Her relationship with music developed while she was studying in Pakistan. At around the age of 19, she was discovered by Pakistani music producer Xulfi, who gave her an opportunity to work as a backing vocalist for Nescafé Basement.
This experience became an important starting point for her professional music career.
Rutaba's professional journey began with Nescafé Basement, where she initially worked as a backing vocalist.
She later began releasing her own music and developed her identity as a solo artist. Her cover of Coldplay's “The Scientist” helped attract wider online attention and demonstrated her ability to deliver emotionally driven alternative music.
Rather than continuing mainly with covers, Rutaba decided to focus on writing and recording her own material.
Rutaba became the vocalist of the Pakistani music group Roots, which participated in the revived version of Pepsi Battle of the Bands.
The group gained national exposure through the competition and developed a loyal audience. Although Roots did not win the competition or reach the final top two, the experience significantly increased Rutaba's visibility in Pakistan's music scene.
Her work with Roots became one of the defining stages of her early career.
After gaining recognition with Roots, Rutaba increasingly focused on her solo career.
Her independent music combines alternative pop, rock, electronic production, dancehall influences, and experimental songwriting. She has also described herself as a collaborative artist, regularly working with musicians and producers from different backgrounds.
Rutaba Yaqub's music does not stay within a single genre. Her catalogue includes elements of:
Her sound is particularly recognised for combining modern electronic production with expressive vocals and unconventional songwriting.
Alternative Pop, Pop Rock, Electronic & Indie Music
Rutaba released her EP S* I’ll Never Finish** in 2020.
The project represented an important stage in her development as an independent artist and demonstrated her willingness to experiment with different sounds and songwriting ideas.
Some of Rutaba Yaqub's notable songs and projects include:
Her Apple Music catalogue confirms several of these releases, particularly her 2021–2022 singles and collaborations.
One of Rutaba's notable collaborations is “Nazar/Surma” with Indian artist Abhilasha Sinha.
The song was released as part of South Asian Heritage Month and explored ideas around social expectations, surveillance, identity, and personal freedom.
The collaboration was created remotely, with the two artists working across borders. Its electronic and dancehall-inspired sound reflects Rutaba's experimental approach to contemporary music.
“Daira-e-Ufuq” was another important release in Rutaba's independent catalogue. The track featured Shamsher Rana and Daud Ramay and further demonstrated her interest in combining electronic production with alternative songwriting.
In 2022, Rutaba released “Throne” with Nayab Batool and Ustad Yousaf, with production by Zahra Paracha.
The electro-pop collaboration was another example of Rutaba's willingness to work with artists from different musical backgrounds.
“Y U Callin/Cheengum” was another 2022 release from Rutaba's planned debut album. The track used an electro-pop sound with retro influences and a playful approach to its visual presentation.
Rutaba announced plans for her first full-length solo album titled Nostalgia @ The Keryana Store.
In 2022, several singles were released as part of the build-up to the album, including Anay Wala Kal/Ghubaray, Nazar/Surma, Throne, and Y U Callin/Cheengum.
The album was described as an important step in her transition from band vocalist to an established solo artist.
Rutaba has performed at a range of Pakistani music events and stages during her career.
Her early performance journey included public performances in Lahore while she was studying. She later performed with Roots and became part of the country's growing independent live-music scene.
Her association with Nescafé Basement and Pepsi Battle of the Bands also helped introduce her performances to a national television audience.
Rutaba's most clearly documented catalogue activity is concentrated around her 2020–2022 independent releases. Apple Music lists “Y U Callin/Cheengum,” “Throne,” “Nazar/Surma,” “Wasta/Kulfi,” and “Anay Wala Kal/Ghubaray” among her releases.
There is limited reliable public information confirming significant new releases or major career developments for Rutaba in 2026, so it would be inaccurate to invent a 2026 update.
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