"The idea is to find the next Talha Anjum or Bohemia.”
Pixel Entertainment has announced its new project, Rap Icon Pakistan, which will become the country’s first reality rap competition.
The programme is being produced by the same team behind Shark Tank Pakistan and MasterChef Pakistan, known for high-quality productions nationwide.
Two of South Asia’s most influential hip-hop artists, Talha Anjum and Bohemia, have been confirmed as official judges on the show.
Speaking to Images, Rizwan Siddiqui, CEO of Pixel Entertainment, said:
“The idea is to find the next Talha Anjum or Bohemia.”
He added that the show will consist of ten episodes, and it is scheduled to air sometime after Eid-ul-Fitr.
The competition will feature ten to twelve contestants performing a series of rap challenges based on various musical themes and styles.
Reportedly, most participants will be eliminated in early episodes.
This will leave the best performers to compete in a grand finale for the title.
Pixel Entertainment issued a call for entries on December 20, 2025.
They asked aspiring rappers to submit a video performance for Rap Icon Pakistan.
Rizwan Siddiqui said auditions and shortlisting will take place in January 2026.
Although this is Pakistan’s first rap reality show, the concept of combining hip-hop and competition has succeeded internationally in recent years.
In the United States, The Rap Game ran for five seasons from 2016 to 2019, showcasing emerging hip-hop talent nationwide.
Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow featured Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled, and Ludacris as judges for aspiring rappers across America.
In India, MTV Hustle completed four seasons with judges including Badshah, Raftaar, and US-based rapper Raja Kumari guiding contestants each season.
Siddiqui explained that the programme aims to both entertain audiences and nurture a homegrown hip-hop culture with professional guidance and mentorship.
Contestants will face challenges testing lyrical skill, stage presence, creativity, and versatility to ensure the most talented reach the final episodes.
The show is intended to give aspiring rappers a platform they might not otherwise have to access Pakistan’s mainstream music industry.
By combining reality TV drama with the creativity of hip-hop, the producers aim to engage younger viewers while elevating local music standards.
Rap Icon Pakistan could set a precedent in Pakistan, creating a template for future music-based reality shows with industry mentorship.
With production scheduled before Ramadan, organisers hope the show will attract audiences and contribute to the continued growth of Pakistan’s music industry.
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