Raf Saperra – Renaissance EP Review
Released: July 11, 2025
Raf Saperra’s new EP Renaissance is easily one of his most ambitious projects to date. True to its name, this record marks a rebirth—not just for Raf as an artist, but for the evolving sound of Punjabi music itself.
Before diving into the tracks, let’s rewind a bit.
The Context: 2000s Punjabi Music and the Lost Momentum
For many of us—especially the urban diaspora growing up in the 2000s—the sound of Punjabi music was being redefined by trailblazers like Rishi Rich, Juggy D, Jay Sean, Punjabi MC, and Dr Zeus. These artists made desi music feel futuristic, global, and unapologetically cool.
But somewhere along the way, the global Punjabi music moment fizzled out. Despite its early potential to rival Latin music’s global rise, it never fully crossed over.
Thankfully, a new wave of artists is beginning to change that—and Renaissance is a shining example.
With this project, Raf Saperra and Ikky (the hitmaker behind countless Punjabi chart-toppers) ask a bold question:
How far can Punjabi music stretch without losing its soul?
From the opening seconds of “Sang,” you know you’re in for something different. It’s vibrant, melodic, and unmistakably pop—but it still carries Raf’s signature vocal grit.
This isn’t the folk-rooted Raf we’ve heard before; this is a reimagined version of the artist, pushing boundaries while staying grounded.
Saperra has always been respected for his deep ties to Punjabi folk. But here, those influences are woven into something far more expansive—blending hip hop, Bollywood, dub, and pop into a rich, genre-fluid experience.
We expected bangers—especially with Ikky involved—but the sonic chemistry between the two goes beyond hype. What they’ve created together is both introspective and infectious, and it genuinely feels like the next step for Punjabi music on a global stage.
Track By Track Breakdown
Sang (Raf Saperra, Ikky)
Renaissance kicks off with one of the catchiest Punjabi pop songs we’ve heard in a while. “Sang” has that perfect bounce—melodic, upbeat, and undeniably replay-worthy.
What’s wild is thinking about how far Raf has come in just a few months. His last project, She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not, closed with a qawwali-inspired song.
And now here he is, dropping a shiny, over-the-top pop banger like this. It almost feels like two different artists—but somehow, both feel true to who Raf is becoming.
Big credit to Ikky, too. The basslines hit hard, the production is crisp, and the entire instrumental just lifts the track into that sweet spot between mainstream and experimental.
We honestly didn’t expect Raf to come through with something this slick and infectious. The hook on “Sang” might just be the strongest on the entire EP—and it’s been on loop for us ever since. If this is where Raf is headed, we’re all in.
Ni Billo (Raf Saperra, Ikky)
The second track, “Ni Billo,” is an undeniable banger—and it instantly brings to mind the flamboyant energy of Jazzy B.
Whether intentional or not, the swagger, vocal tone, and rhythmic bounce all echo that legendary era of Punjabi music. But Raf doesn’t just imitate, he modernizes.
The beat is sharp, the vocals are bold, and there’s a sense of controlled chaos that makes this track so fun to revisit. It feels like a throwback and a level-up at the same time.
Some critics have called out Raf for wearing his influences on his sleeve, and sure—“Ni Billo” does draw from the sounds of those who came before him. But honestly, there’s nothing wrong with paying homage, as long as you’re able to build something new from that inspiration.
And that’s exactly what Raf does here. It doesn’t sound like Jazzy B—it sounds like Raf Saperra channeling that energy into something fresh, punchy, and unmistakably his.
Broken (Raf Saperra, Ikky, Sid Sriram)
With “Broken,” Sid Sriram once again proves why he’s one of the most powerful voices you can feature on a track. The moment he enters, the song shifts into another dimension. His presence doesn’t just complement Raf—it elevates the entire experience.
The track itself is a rock-tinged ballad, built around heartbreak and longing. Sid’s hook is hauntingly melodic, while Raf’s verses add grit and rawness.
The contrast between the two styles—Sid’s ethereal croon and Raf’s earthy delivery, creates a beautiful tension that makes this one of the most emotionally resonant songs on the EP.
“Broken” is also one of those tracks where the production doesn’t scream for attention, but if you listen closely, Ikky’s work is masterful.
From the ambient textures to the pacing, everything is understated but intentional. And then there’s the guitar solo that closes the song—filled with character, soaring, and a perfect emotional release.
It’s one of the best-written tracks on Renaissance, and arguably its emotional centrepiece.
Morni (Raf Saperra, Ikky)
“Morni” is another track where Raf’s influences are clear—but once again, he makes it entirely his own.
This one brings back the essence of early 2000s UK Bhangra, evoking the days of Punjabi MC, with its lively tumbi, dhol-heavy groove, and infectious rhythm.
It also feels like a gift to the day-one listeners—a sonic callback to the sound Raf was originally known for.
Even when he dropped the hip hop-driven 5 Deadly Venoms EP last year, the Punjabi folk undertones were unmistakable. So it’s no surprise that he included a track like this on Renaissance—something to keep his foundation intact while the rest of the project ventures into bold new territory.
This track feels like Raf saying: “I haven’t forgotten where I came from—and I’m taking you with me.”
Step Out (Raf Saperra, Ikky)
Raf closes Renaissance with another catchy, genre-bending track—this time putting his hip hop influences front and center.
“Step Out” was the first single from the project, and its music video is arguably one of the most detailed and visually striking pieces we’ve seen from a Punjabi artist in years.
Beyond the stunning visuals, the video is packed with layers—from set design to even the fine print on magazine covers—a testament to Raf’s commitment to storytelling beyond just the music.
Sonically, “Step Out” carries the same infectious energy we heard on “Sang.” Ikky’s production once again blends traditional Punjabi textures with modern pop and hip hop, creating a sound that’s both familiar and forward-pushing.
Tracks like this, alongside “Sang” and “Broken,” are proof of just how far Raf can take Punjabi music—rooted in culture, but reimagined for the future.
This isn’t just a closing track; it’s a statement of intent.
Beyond the EP
When people think of mainstream music, they often assume it lacks intention or substance. And yes, sometimes that’s true.
But great music—mainstream or underground—always carries layers. With Renaissance, it feels like Raf and Ikky sat down with a clear vision: to take Punjabi music global without losing its soul.
And that’s exactly what they’ve done. This is pop music that’s still rooted, still authentic, still in conversation with the legends who paved the way.
If this is the direction Raf is heading, we’re not just excited—we’re hopeful.
Punjabi and Indian music are entering a fascinating new phase, and artists like Raf are showing how to move forward without letting go of where it all began.
And perhaps the most beautiful part? A boy born in the UK to Pakistani Muslim parents is not just winning hearts across the world—but also in India.
That’s what real art can do.
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